ECTOPIC ACTH-SYNDROME DUE TO OVARIAN-CARCINOMA

The case of a 60-year-old female with severe and rapidly progressing G ushing's syndrome with fatal consequences is described. Both the clini cal and the biochemical findings were consistent with ectopic ACTH pro duction. A computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed intact pituitary an d enlarged adrenal glands. Liver metastases were seen but the primary neoplasm was not found. Treatment with aminoglutethimide and other the rapeutic measures were unsuccessful. A carcinoma of the right ovary wa s discovered on autopsy. The tumour cells showed immunoreactivity for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), ACTH and beta-endorphin with differing degree of intensity.