Blumenthal EZ, Muszkat M, Pe’er J, Ticho U.

Am J Ophthalmol. 1999 Jul;128(1):100-1.
Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah University Hospital and Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel. eblumenthal@hadassah.org.il

ABSTRACT:

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and histopathologic findings in a patient with corticosteroid-induced open-angle glaucoma attributable to an adrenocorticotropin-secreting malignant carcinoid of the thymus.

METHODS: Case report. In a 33-year-old man, the clinical course, laboratory findings, and imaging results as well as the histopathologic findings are described.

RESULTS: Increased intraocular pressure in this patient represented a manifestation of severe hypercortisolism attributable to a malignant adrenocorticotropin-secreting carcinoid tumor. Surgical removal resulted in return of the intraocular pressure values to normal levels.

CONCLUSION: Thymic carcinoid is a rare cause of Cushing syndrome, which can lead to increased intraocular pressure.