Article Text
Novel treatment (new drug/intervention; established drug/procedure in new situation)
CASE REPORT
Ectopic ACTH syndrome complicated by multiple opportunistic infections treated with percutaneous ablation of the adrenal glands
Summary
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-related Cushing’s syndrome can lead to multiple complications including severe immunosuppression. If the ACTH-secreting tumour cannot be found, definitive treatment is surgical adrenalectomy, typically followed by glucocorticoid replacement. Here, we present a case of fulminant respiratory failure secondary to coinfection with Pneumocystis jirovecii and cytomegalovirus in a patient with ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome with occult primary. Due to significant deconditioning, she was unable to undergo definitive adrenalectomy and instead underwent percutaneous microwave ablation of the adrenal glands.
- adrenal disorders
- interventional radiology
- pneumonia (respiratory medicine)