The clinical significance of urinary 17-ketosteroid assays.

Abstract

The urinary 17-ketosteroids are a group of compounds derived from complex steroids produced by the adrenal cortex, testis, or ovary. The method of determining the amount excreted has been simplified so that it is available for routine diagnostic purposes. Usually the amount is increased in diseases in which there is hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex due to tumor or hyperplasia, and decreased in lesions that impair the function of the adrenal cortex. Other conditions such as myxedema, eunuchism, gout, and arthritis may alter the excretion of the 17-ketosteroids. Low levels are also found in the young and in the aged. Case histories are presented to illustrate the findings in the following diseases: Tumors of the adrenal cortex with (a) masculinization, (b) Cushing's syndrome with virilism and, (c) hirsutism; as well as in gigantism with acromegaly, in gout, eunuchism, Addison's disease, myxedema, and severe panhypopituitarism.

• Authors: G R BISKIND
• Journal: California medicine (Calif Med) Vol. 72 Issue 3 Pg. 148-52 (Mar 1950) ISSN: 0008-1264 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15405026 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 17-Ketosteroids
• Steroids

Topics

• 17-Ketosteroids
• Adrenal Cortex
• Cushing Syndrome
• Endocrine System Diseases
• Female
• Hirsutism
• Humans
• Hyperplasia
• Male
• Ovary
• Steroids
• Urine
• Virilism