Ectopic Cushing's syndrome secondary to small cell lung carcinoma

Authors

  • Víctor Urbaneja-Zumaquero Internal Medicine Department, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Málaga, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0182-7375
  • Daniel de la Cueva-Genovés Internal Medicine Department, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Málaga, Spain
  • Daniel Ávila-Royón Internal Medicine Department, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Málaga, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9066-3875

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32818/reccmi.a11n1a10

Keywords:

Cushing syndrome, ectopic ACTH syndrome, small cell lung carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, hypokalemia

Abstract

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome is rare. We present a 54-year-old woman with weakness, edema, and refractory hypertension.
Severe hypokalemia and hypercortisolism were identified, caused by a metastatic ACTH-producing small-cell
lung carcinoma. She was treated with chemotherapy and ketoconazole. This case highlights how refractory hypokalemia
and alkalosis can be the first clinical manifestation of a highly aggressive hidden tumor, emphasizing the vital
need for early anti-cortisol therapy to stabilize the patient and allow for oncological treatment.

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Published

2026-04-23

How to Cite

1.
Urbaneja-Zumaquero V, de la Cueva-Genovés D, Ávila-Royón D. Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome secondary to small cell lung carcinoma. Rev Esp Casos Clin Med Intern [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 23 [cited 2026 May 1];11(1):30-3. Available from: https://www.reccmi.com/RECCMI/article/view/1208