Cushing's syndrome is caused by autonomous cortisol secretion. One underlying cause of cortisol overproduction could be adrenal gland ACTH (ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome). The pituitary gland or an ectopic source could be the origin of autonomous ACTH production. Various tumours can serve as ectopic sources of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) production, i.e. small cell bronchogenic carcinoma, thymoma, or less commonly tumours of the pancreas, medullary thyroid carcinoma, carcinoid, hematologie malignancies, breast cancer, prostatě cancer, liver carcinoma, melanoma, plasmocytoma and some others. Ectopic Cushing's syndrome oceurs in about 5-10% of all patients with ACTH- dependent hypercortisolism In a 25-year old female, with a two year history of weight gain, the development of purple striae, muscle weakness and menstrual irregularity (secondary amenorrhoea), the cause of Cushing's syndrome was found to be a bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumour.

        Key words: carcinoid tumour, Cushing's syndrome, ACTH hyperseeretion, amenorrhea, striae.