Plasma and urinary 11-hydroxycorticosteroids in differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

Abstract

Morning plasma 11-hydroxycorticoids, urinary 11-hydroxycorticoids, and urinary 17-oxogenic steroids were measured before and during a dexamethasone suppression test. This consisted in the administration by mouth of 2 mg of dexamethasone daily for 48 hours, followed by 8 mg daily for 48 hours. In addition midnight plasma 11-hydroxycorticoids were measured before the start of the test. The subjects investigated were 21 patients with Cushing's syndrome, 27 obese female patients, 10 female patients with the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, and 8 female patients with idiopathic hirsutism.The results showed that the clearest distinction between the groups was made by measurement of the basal urinary 11-hydroxycorticoid excretion, where, in the group of patients with Cushing's syndrome, all the levels were well above the upper limit of normal. In addition raised midnight plasma 11-hydroxycorticoid levels were of great diagnostic value. By using these results together with those of the dexamethasone suppression tests it was possible to make a firm preoperative diagnosis of pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome in 90% of patients in this series.

• Authors: D Mattingly, C Tyler
• Journal: British medical journal (Br Med J) Vol. 3 Issue 5817 Pg. 17-21 (Jul 01 1972) ISSN: 0007-1447 [Print] England
• PMID: 5039548 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids
• Glucocorticoids
• Hydroxycorticosteroids
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids (blood, urine)
• Administration, Oral
• Cushing Syndrome (blood, diagnosis, urine)
• Dexamethasone (administration & dosage)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (analysis)
• Hirsutism (blood, urine)
• Humans
• Hydroxycorticosteroids (blood, urine)
• Male
• Obesity (blood, urine)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (blood, urine)
• Time Factors