Methods of topical diagnosis of ectopic ACTH-producing tumors of different localization (review of the literature)

Topical diagnostic methods in ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors with various localization. Topical diagnostic of ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors is a major stage in management of patients with ACTH-producing syndrome, because one of the main methods of treatment of such patients is surgical. There are several methods of topical diagnostic of ACTH-producing tumors with ectopic ocalization which have some advantages and disadvantages. At the same time until now any of existing methods of research doesn't guarantee 100% result that leads to obtaining the false positive conclusions and, as a result, carrying out unreasonable surgical operation. This report is about the main methods of topical diagnosis and their comparative characteristics. Besides possible ways to increase sensitivity and efficiency of methods and improve results are discussed in article.