Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma Localized by 18F-Choline PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2018 Jan;43(1):e25-e26. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000001889.

Abstract

The criterion standard of treatment of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma is complete surgical excision. However, ectopic location of these adenomas is an extremely rare condition, which may affect the diagnosis and treatment success. We report a case of a 49-year-old man who was referred to our institution with persistent hypercortisolemia after an unsuccessful attempt of surgical resection. F-choline PET/CT revealed increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in a nodule localized in the left maxillary sinus, which was proved at histology to be an ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma staining positive for ACTH. Imaging with F-FDG PET/CT and Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT was not diagnostic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / surgery
  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenoma / surgery
  • Choline / analogs & derivatives*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*

Substances

  • fluoromethylcholine
  • Choline