What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to highlight a rare cause of hypokalemia linked to ectopic ACTH production.

April 13, 2026Open Access

Ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome due to a pulmonary carcinoid tumor presenting with severe hypokalemia: A case report

Key Points

The aim is to highlight a rare cause of hypokalemia linked to ectopic ACTH production.
Case report of a 36-year-old male with severe hypokalemia.
Systematic evaluation included imaging and hormonal assessment.
Diagnosis confirmed through detection of a pulmonary carcinoid tumor.
Patient presented with severe hypokalemia, hypertension, and metabolic alkalosis.
Systematic evaluation identified ectopic ACTH production as the cause.
Early identification enabled potential curative management.

Abstract

Abstract Hypokalemia with hypertension and metabolic alkalosis is most often caused by renin–aldosterone disorders, but rarely cortisol excess from ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production may be a causative factor. We report the case of a 36-year-old male presenting with persistent severe hypokalemia, in whom systematic evaluation revealed ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome from a pulmonary carcinoid tumor. The case highlights the importance of considering EAS in refractory hypokalemia to enable early and potentially curative management.

Ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome due to a pulmonary carcinoid tumor presenting with severe hypokalemia: A case report

Key Points

Abstract

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