A rare case of duodenal carcinoid presenting as ectopic Cushing’s syndrome

ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS) due to an ectopic source is responsible for approximately 10-15% cases of Cushing’s syndrome. It is associated with various tumors such as small cell lung cancer and well-differentiated bronchial or gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Many a times ectopic ACTH production is difficult to manage, and identification of the source may take many years. Hormonal diagnostics include assessments in basic conditions as well as dynamic tests, such as the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test. Treatment selection depends on the type of tumor and its extent. In the case of neuroendocrine tumors, the main treatments are surgery and administration of somatostatin analogues or bilateral adrenalectomy in refractory cases and if the source remains unidentified. Here, we report a case who presented with features of Cushing’s syndrome which eventually through workup led us to a diagnosis of duodenal carcinoid producing ectopic ACTH which is extremely rare and was successfully treated.

A clinical and microbiological profile of urinary tract infection in patients with chronic kidney diseases

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major public health problem in terms of morbidity and financial cost in CKD patients in India. The resistance pattern of community acquired uropathogens in CKD patients has not been extensively studied. Thus, knowledge of local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of common uropathogens is essential for prudent empiric therapy of community acquired UTIs.Methods: It is a cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital involving 65 chronic kidney disease patients with UTI who attended general medicine OPD and those admitted in wards after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after obtaining written informed consent. Blood sample and urine samples were collected from these patients and sent for blood analysis, urine analysis and urine culture and sensitivity.Results: Among 65 CKD participants with UTI who were studied, E. coli (47.7%) and K. pneumoniae (15.4%) were the most common isolates which were sensitive in order of colistin, polymyxin B, meropenem (carbapenem) and less sensitive to other commonly used antibiotics.Conclusions: The main purpose of this study was to find the various common local uropathogens in CKD patients and their antibiotic profile which will help in formulating antibiotic therapies. As previously stated, there are very few studies regarding profile and management of UTI in CKD patients. Hence this study can throw some light into this area.