Carney Complex

The complex of myxomas, spotty skin pigmentation, and endocrine over activity or Carney complex (CNC) (MIM no. 160980) is an autosomal dominant disorder that was described in 1985 by Carney. The diagnosis of CNC is made if two of the main manifestations of the syndrome are present, these need to be confirmed by histology, biochemical testing, or imaging. Alternatively, the diagnosis is made when one of the criteria is present and the patient is a carrier of a known inactivating mutation of the PRKAR1A gene. Most cases of CNC are caused by inactivating mutations in the gene encoding one of the subunits of the protein kinase A (PKA) tetrameric enzyme, namely regulatory subunit type1 alpha (PRKAR1A), located at 17q22-24. Endocrine, dermatologic, and cardiac anomalies are the main manifestations of CNC. Skin abnormalities are present in almost 77% of the CNC patients. Variety of endocrine gland tumors are observed in CNC patients, namely growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma (acromegaly), thyroid adenomas or carcinomas, testicular tumors (large cell calcifying sertoli cell tumors), and ovarian cyst. Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary tumor affecting the heart, accounting for nearly half of cardiac neoplasms. Approximately, 30-60% of CNC patients will develop cardiac myxoma, usually at much younger ages than the sporadic tumors. A high degree of suspicion, complete evaluation, genetic counseling is important aspect of management of Carney's disease. Once confirmed, surgical removal remains the mainstay of treatment. How to cite this article Majumdar G, Agarwal SK, Pande S, Chandra B. Carney Complex. World J Endoc Surg 2014;6(1):1-6.