Cushing's syndrome and avascular necrosis of bone associated with carcinoid‐islet cell tumor of the pancreas

Abstract

A 69‐year‐old woman with Cushing's syndrome due to ACTH production by a pancreatic tumor had hypokalemia, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and avascular necrosis of the humeral heads. She had an excellent response to bilateral adrenalectomy. These and other clinical and pathophysiologic aspects of the ectopic ACTH syndrome are discussed. The pancreatic tumor was histologically compatible with either an islet cell or a carcinoid tumor. The evidence for the histologic and functional overlap of these two types of tumor is reviewed. Copyright © 1972 American Cancer Society