Hypokalaemia and peripheral oedema in a Cushingoid patient with metastatic prostate cancer

Neth J Med. 2020 Dec;78(6):401-403.

Abstract

We report on a 75-year-old man with a history of metastatic prostate cancer who presented with haematuria, peripheral oedema, metabolic alkalosis, hypokalaemia, and hypertension. Laboratory evaluation was compatible with the diagnosis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent cushing's syndrome and suggestive of ectopic ACTH production. Pathology of a prostate biopsy specimen showed a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the prostate. This report describes a case of Cushing's syndrome that was probably caused by ectopic ACTH secretion by a LCNEC of the prostate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cushing Syndrome* / etiology
  • Edema / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia* / etiology
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / complications