[A rare cause of hypercorticism: ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma (a case report)]. / Une cause rare d'hypercorticisme: un phéochromocytome sécrétant l'ACTH (à propos d'un cas).

ABSTRACT

Ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma is a very rare cause of Cushing´s syndrome, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We here report the case of a female patient with suspected severe Cushing´s syndrome associated with melanoderma, arterial hypertension resistant to triple therapy and unbalanced diabetes treated with insulin therapy. Biologically, urinary ethoxylated, 24-hour urinary free cortisol and ACTH were very high. Imaging showed a 3.5 cm left adrenal mass. The patient underwent left adrenalectomy after medical preparation, with good clinico-biological outcome. Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. This case study highlights the importance of measuring methoxylated derivatives in any patient with ACTH-dependent Cushing´s syndrome associated with an adrenal mass. The aim is to ensure early treatment and avoid life-threatening complications.