Cushing´s syndrome: high aggressiveness of low-grade tumors

Abstract

Cushing´s syndrome is caused by prolonged exposition supraphysiological to endogenous or exogenous cortisol. Ectopic production of adrenocorticotropic hormone by lung carcinoid tumors is relatively rare. Most documented cases have been reported individually. This rare neoplasm low grade that may secrete adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) leading to rapid development of hypercortisolism which is the main mode of discovery, can be a real aggressive form. This report shows a high aggressiveness of this endocrine neoplasia, wich was marked on the general, morphological, bone and psychiatric level. The trivialization of clinical signs had caused the delay in diagnosis with irreparable bone consequences.