CUSHING'S SYNDROME IN INFANCY

Abstract

ABSTRACT A female infant has been described, who developed the typical clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome from the age of 41/2 months. The symptoms were caused by a benign tumour in the left adrenal gland. The tumour was removed surgically, and the patient recovered completely. Tissue cultures of the tumour cells were established. Using explant techniques, there was no visible outgrowth of epithelial cells. However, the tumour cells secreted hormones into the growth medium for periods up to 4 weeks. The addition of ACTH was not required, suggesting an autonomous type of production. The explants were able to metabolize radioactively labelled testosterone for periods up to two months. The various metabolic products have been identified.