A rare case of tertiary cortical adrenal hypercortisolism

Cushing’s syndrome occurs due to chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoid. This disorder can be classified into ACTH-dependent and ACTH-independent based on any etiology. There are very rare accessible reports concerning the autonomous increase of cortisol secretion following a long-standing overproduction of ACTH in long term Cushing’s disease. This report deals with the persistence of some symptoms and clinical signs dependent on Cushing’s syndrome despite the ablation of pituitary adenoma in Cushing’s disease.This incident occurred to a woman as a result of the excess autonomous cortisol secretion from the adrenal tumor which was, apparently, caused by a long-lasting ACTH-stimulation. The adrenal computed tomography scanning of the patient revealed a large mass in the right adrenal gland. Then, she underwent right adrenalectomy. The carried out follow up revealed her complete recovery.