Experience in diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ACTH syndrome / 中华预防医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To increase the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ACTH syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 12 ectopic ACTH syndrome patients treated from 1985 to 1999 were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve patients were diagnosed as having ACTH syndrome by endocrinary test and primary tumors were ascertained by imaging examination. Follow-up from 7 months to 8 years showed 3 out of 5 patients with radical resection of primary tumor died. One patient with bilateral adrenorectomy was still alive. All patients received only chemotherapy except one died.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Patients with Cushing's syndrome should be evaluated by endocrine test and followed up by imaging screen examination. The key points to increase treatment effect include early detection, localization and resection of primary tumors.</p>