Nasally located ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (EAPA) causing Nelson’s syndrome: diagnostic challenges

Conclusion Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas can occur not only along the developmental route of Rathke’s pouch, but other aberrant locations giving a clinical and biochemical picture identical to Cushing’s disease or Nelson’s syndrome. Clinicians should suspect an EAPA, when a central ACTH source seems to be apparent with no obvious pituitary adenoma. A detailed MRI involving possible EAPA sites aids in locating these unusual lesions.

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11102-013-0520-2

Source: Pituitary - September 25, 2014 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research