Sphenoid sinus carcinoid tumour causing ectopic ACTH syndrome

J Clin Neurosci. 2017 May:39:92-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.01.023. Epub 2017 Feb 12.

Abstract

A thirty-eight year old patient presented with a gradual increase in weight and Cushingoid facies of two years duration. He also had orbital congestion, with puffy eyelids and corkscrew conjunctival vessels, associated with painful eye movements. An endocrine evaluation revealed raised cortisol and ACTH. Head imaging was performed which showed an enhancing tumour arising from the sphenoid sinus, with osseous erosion of the sphenoid sinus, extending to the nasopharynx, sellar and a small amount extending intracranially. He underwent an endoscopic endonasal resection of the tumour and histology revealed a low-grade carcinoid tumour with ACTH staining. The patient also underwent radiotherapy for the intracranial extension. He is currently in his fourth year of follow-up and imaging has showed a small, stable intracranial remnant. His anterior pituitary hormonal profile remains normal.

Keywords: Carcinoid syndrome; Ectopic ACTH syndrome; Sphenoid tumour.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging*
  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / etiology
  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / surgery
  • Adult
  • Carcinoid Tumor / complications
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / complications
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / surgery
  • Sphenoid Sinus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sphenoid Sinus / surgery