[Small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma with ectopic secretion of ACTH: apropos of 2 cases and review of the literature].

Described in this report are 2 patients with small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma with ectopic secretion of ACTH, an association that has long been reported in the literature but that is nevertheless rare, with most authors describing small series of patients or reporting retrospective studies. Pathogenic and etiological aspects are reviewed, with emphasis on the scarcity of clinical signs and the biochemical criteria needed for diagnosis. The poor prognosis of the disease is discussed along with the need to try to treat hypercortisolism even before cytotoxic therapy is initiated.