Ectopic corticotropin syndrome and small-cell carcinoma of the lung: clinical features, outcome, and complications

Background: Ectopic corticotropin syndrome is a rare complication of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). There is little information concerning this syndrome available in the literature. We therefore reviewed all cases of ectopic corticotropin syndrome seen at our institution during a 20-year period. Methods: Cases were identified by searching a computerized database and reviewing the charts of all 840 patients with SCLC seen between 1971 and 1991. Patients were included if they met at least two of the following criteria: spontaneous hypokalemia (potassium level,