ectopic ACTH syndrome

ectopic

1. pertaining to or characterized by ectopy.

2. located away from normal position.

3. arising or produced at an abnormal site or in a tissue where it is not normally found. See also specific sites or structures.

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ectopic ACTH syndrome

production of ACTH by nonpituitary tumors occurs in humans and is a cause of adrenal hyperplasia and hyperadrenocorticism. It has not been reported in animals.

ectopic endocrinopathy

production of hormones by nonendocrinal, usually neoplastic, tissues. The most common example in animals is pseudohyperparathyroidism in dogs caused by a variety of tumors, particularly apocrine adenocarcinomas of the anal sacs and lymphosarcoma.

ectopic heart

see ectopia cordis.

ectopic kidney

usually an unascended kidney.

ectopic lens

see ectopia lentis.

ectopic mineralization

deposition of calcium salts of phosphate, silicate, etc. in unusual situations, e.g. calcifying myopathy in horses. See also mineralization.

ectopic ossification

see ectopic mineralization (above).

ectopic teeth

see dental cyst.

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ectopic ACTH syndrome

A condition associated with production of ACTH by tissues other than the pituitary–eg, by small cell lung cancer Clinical Similar to pituitary-dependent Cushing syndrome Management Bilateral adrenalectomy if site of ectopic ACTH is unknown, excision of nonmalignant ACTH-producing tumors. See Cushing syndrome.