Vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures secondary to Cushing's syndrome induced by an ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoid tumour

Rashid F, Riccio SA, Munk PL, Malfair D, Heran MKS
Correspondence: Prof Peter Loren Munk, peter.munk@vch.ca

ABSTRACT
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing bronchial carcinoid tumours are a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is frequently complicated by osteoporosis, which results in an increased tendency for the development of vertebral compression fractures. Percutaneous vertebroplasty has been shown to be an effective treatment option in the setting of painful osteoporotic compression fractures refractory to conservative therapies. We report a case where vertebroplasty was performed on a 36-year-old woman with osteoporosis and compression fractures secondary to hypercorticolism. A bronchial carcinoid tumour was found to be the source of excess ACTH production. Three-level percutaneous vertebroplasty resulted in a marked improvement in pain.

Keywords: adrenocorticotropic hormone, bronchial carcinoid tumour, carcinoid tumour, Cushing’s syndrome, osteoporotic vertebral fracture, vertebral compression fracture, vertebroplasty
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(4): e147-e150