Cushing syndrome in a child due to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) secretion from a yolk sac tumor

Context

Pituitary microadenomas and adrenal tumours are the most common causes for endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) in children.

Case description

We describe a two-year old girl with Cushing syndrome due to ectopic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) production from an abdominal yolk sac tumor. Cortisol concentrations were elevated but adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations were equivocal. The use of antibodies specifically detecting ACTH precursors revealed that plasma ACTH precursors were elevated. Additionally, an ACTH assay with a low cross-reactivity for precursors showed low concentrations of ACTH. Immunohistochemistry suggested POMC but not ACTH production by the tumour.

Conclusion

We describe a yolk sac tumour as a novel source of ectopic POMC production leading to CS in a young girl.

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