A 60 year old male presented with skin hyperpigmentation, central obesity, violet striae & proximal myopathy. His BP is 160/90 mmHg. Lab studies show hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following statements is true regarding this condition?
The given scenario suggests the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Basal ACTH levels are elevated in pituitary tumors & ectopic ACTH secretion Coicotropin-releasing hormone is rarely the cause of Cushing syndrome. MRI of the pituitary gland will not visualize lesions <2 mm Serum potassium level <3.3 mmol/L is suggestive of ectopic ACTH production Also, hypeension, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis & glucose intolerance are more prominent in ectopic ACTH secretion than in pituitary tumors
Basal ACTH level is likely to be low.
Circulating coicotropin-releasing hormone is likely to be elevated.
Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will visualize all ACTH-secreting tumors.
Serum potassium level <3.3 mmol/L is suggestive of ectopic ACTH production
Cushing Syndrome