ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome Due to Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Case Report

    October 2024 in “ Journal of the Endocrine Society ”
    Tiago Donizeti Bertolacini da Silva, Tiago Bertolacini, Victor da Costa Kamura, Pedro de Figueiredo Buchalla, Alexandre Gomes Sibanto Simões, Sidney Glina, Zélia Maria de Sousa Campos, Isabelle Rosa, Patrícia Xavier Santi
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    TLDR Metastatic cervical cancer can cause rare, severe Cushing's syndrome with high risk of death.
    This case report describes a rare instance of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome caused by metastatic cervical cancer in a 39-year-old woman, with fewer than 10 such cases documented. The patient initially presented with symptoms including abnormal uterine bleeding and was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. After initial treatment and loss of follow-up, she developed symptoms indicative of Cushing's syndrome, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hirsutism. Laboratory tests confirmed elevated ACTH and cortisol levels, and imaging revealed metastatic liver lesions. Despite treatment attempts, including bilateral adrenalectomy, the patient died from septic shock shortly after surgery. The report highlights the diagnostic challenges, treatment complexity, and high morbidity and mortality associated with this rare condition.
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