Probable pituitary adenoma with adrenocorticotropin hypersecretion (corticotropinoma) secondary to Addison's disease.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1979/8;49(2):236-41.
Jara-Albarran A, Bayort J, Caballero A, Portillo J, Laborda L, Sampedro M, Cure C, Mateos JM
PMID: 222793
Impact factor: 6.134
Abstract
A 50-yr-old woman with Addison's disease from the age of 14 yr was diagnosed as empty sella turcica in 1974 (Rev Clin Esp 139: 183, 1975). She subsequently continued with hyperpigmentation in spite of adequate hormone substitution therapy which permitted her to lead a normal life. When studied she showed an extreme elevation of plasma ACTH (1500--2000 pg/ml), and with dexamethasone (2 and 8 mg/day) continued to have levels of 900 pg/ml. With 60 mg hydrocortisone daily, effects of overdosage were observed (swelling and Cushingoid facies) associated with depigmentation. However, she continued to manifest levels of plasma ACTH of 700 pg/ml and an absence of circadian rhythm. It seems likely that this patient represents a case of pituitary ACTH secretory adenoma (corticotropinoma) secondary to the preexisting Addison's disease. The circulating levels of other pituitary hormones were normal.
MeSH terms
Addison Disease; Adenoma; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adult; Dexamethasone; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Middle Aged; Pituitary Neoplasms; Somatostatin; Vasopressins
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