The following facts are also relevant limitations: a) data on tumor grade was not systematically assessed (as a substantially variable secretion pattern of ACTH and probably also of CRH in high- and low-differentiated tumors has to be assumed); b) radiological procedures relevantly improved over time (possibly, some of our older ECS cases had a false-negative imaging); c) only a single baseline value before administration of hCRH was analyzed (and not a mean from the two time points -15 minutes and 0 minutes). Here, POMC is linked to neoplasm.