scholarly journals The effect of thyrotoxicosis on adrenocortical reserve

2000 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tsatsoulis ◽  
EO Johnson ◽  
CH Kalogera ◽  
K Seferiadis ◽  
O Tsolas
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Nodular Goitre ◽  
Euthyroid State ◽  
Stimulation Tests ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

OBJECTIVE: Variations in thyroid function are known to be associated with changes in adrenocortical activity. Previous studies in animals have suggested that long-standing hyperthyroidism may be associated with diminished adrenal functional reserve despite a continuing hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In humans, there has been no direct assessment of adrenal secretory reserve in clinical thyrotoxicosis. This study aimed to assess adrenocortical reserve in response to low-dose ACTH, following dexamethasone suppression, in patients with severe thyrotoxicosis. DESIGN AND METHODS: Ten patients (four men and six women, 30-45 years) with severe long-standing thyrotoxicosis due to Graves' disease (n=6) or toxic nodular goitre (n=4) were studied at diagnosis and again when in a stable euthyroid state following drug therapy for 8-12 months. All patients underwent ACTH stimulation tests at 0800h with ACTH(1-24) (Cortrosyn; 0.1microg/kg body weight, i.v.) following overnight suppression of the HPA axis with dexamethasone (1mg per os at 2300h). Serum cortisol was assayed at -15, 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90min after the administration of ACTH. RESULTS: The mean (+/-s.d.) peak and delta cortisol responses to ACTH (634.5+/-164nmol/l and 618+/- 196nmol/l respectively), as well as the net area under the response curve (36769+/-12188nmol/lx min) in the hyperthyroid patients were significantly lower compared with the values when the same patients were euthyroid (911+/-157nmol/l, 905+/-160nmol/l and 57652+/-10128nmol/lxmin respectively; P<0.005). Subnormal peak cortisol responses (<500nmol/l) were observed in two severely toxic patients. The findings were independent of the cause of thyrotoxicosis. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe thyrotoxicosis, cortisol secretion in response to low-dose ACTH stimulation, following dexamethasone suppression, is lower in the hyperthyroid than in the euthyroid state. It appears that thyrotoxicosis is associated with subtle impairment of adrenocortical reserve.

scholarly journals A comparison between the effects of low dose (1 microg) and standard dose (250 microg) ACTH stimulation tests on adrenal P450c17alpha enzyme activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

2002 ◽  
pp. 473-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Colak ◽  
F Kelestimur ◽  
K Unluhizarci ◽  
F Bayram ◽  
Y Sahin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Acth Stimulation Test ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Healthy Women ◽  
Stimulation Tests ◽  
Cortisol Responses

OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have found elevated androgen production by the adrenal glands in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the role and the mechanisms responsible for the adrenal androgen excess in women with PCOS are not well understood. DESIGN: Our aim was to compare 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and cortisol responses to a low dose (1 microg) ACTH stimulation test (LDT) with the responses to a standard dose (250 microg) ACTH stimulation test (SDT) in patients with PCOS. METHODS: Fifty women with PCOS (mean age 25.4+/-0.7 years) and 20 healthy women (mean age 27.3+/-2.2 years) were included in the study. The patients and controls underwent ACTH stimulation tests with 1 microg and 250 microg synthetic ACTH in the follicular phase of their cycles. Venous blood was drawn at 0, 30 and 60 min for determination of serum cortisol, 17-OHP, androstenedione and DHEAS levels. RESULTS: In PCOS subjects, peak and area under the curve (AUC) 17-OHP (9.3+/-0.3 nmol/l, 378.4+/-61 nmol/lx60 min), androstenedione (15.6+/-0.6 nmol/l, 806.4+/-52 nmol/lx60 min) and DHEAS (7.5+/-0.4 micromol/l, 385.6+/-25.5 micromol/lx60 min) responses to SDT were significantly higher than the levels in healthy women (respectively 5.7+/-0.3 nmol/l and 249.4+/-52.2 nmol/lx60 min for 17-OHP; 9.1+/-0.3 nmol/l and 413.7+/-31.6 nmol/lx60 min for androstenedione; 4.3+/-0.4 micromol/l and 224.9+/-24.5 micromol/lx60 min for DHEAS) (P<0.05). Peak and AUC cortisol responses to SDT were similar in PCOS and control subjects. Peak and AUC cortisol and 17-OHP responses to LDT in women with PCOS were similar to the values obtained in healthy women. Peak androstenedione (12.5+/-0.6 nmol/l) and peak (6.5+/-0.5 nmol/l) and AUC (336.3+/-22.4 micromol/lx60 min) DHEAS responses to LDT were significantly higher in women with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that LDT is capable of revealing the adrenal hyperactivity in women with PCOS. Adrenal P450c17alpha enzyme dysregulation in PCOS is revealed by ACTH stimulation at a pharmacological dose (250 microg) but not by a physiological dose (1 microg). LDT is able to demonstrate adrenal hyperactivity characterized by an increase in DHEAS levels.

One microgram is the lowest ACTH dose to cause a maximal cortisol response. There is no diurnal variation of cortisol response to submaximal ACTH stimulation

1997 ◽  
pp. 172-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Dickstein ◽  
D Spigel ◽  
E Arad ◽  
C Shechner
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Variation ◽  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Cortisol Response ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Baseline Cortisol ◽  
Maximal Stimulation ◽  
Basal Cortisol ◽  
Basal Cortisol Level ◽  
Cortisol Responses

There are many suggestions in the literature that the adrenal gland is more sensitive to ACTH in the evening than in the morning. However, all these studies in humans were conducted when the basal cortisol level was not suppressed, and were based on the observation that, after stimulation, the increases in cortisol differed, though the peak values were the same. To examine this, we established the lowest ACTH dose that caused a maximal cortisol stimulation even when the basal cortisol was suppressed, and used a smaller dose of ACTH for morning and evening stimulation. The lowest ACTH dose to achieve maximal stimulation was found to be 1.0 microgram, with which dose cortisol concentration increased to 607.2 +/- 182 nmol/l, compared with 612.7 +/- 140.8 nmol/l with the 250 micrograms test (P > 0.3). The use of smaller doses of ACTH (0.8 and 0.6 microgram) achieved significantly lower cortisol responses (312 +/- 179.4 and 323 +/- 157.3 nmol/l respectively; both P < 0.01 compared with the 1 microgram test). When a submaximal ACTH dose (0.6 microgram) was used to stimulate the adrenal at 0800 and 1600 h, after pretreatment with dexamethasone, no difference in response was noted at either 15 min (372.6 +/- 116 compared with 394.7 +/- 129.7 nmol/l) or 30 min (397.4 +/- 176.6 compared with 403 +/- 226.3 nmol/l; P > 0.3 for both times). These results show that 1.0 microgram ACTH, used latterly as a low-dose test, is very potent in stimulating the adrenal, even when baseline cortisol is suppressed; smaller doses cause reduction of this potency. Our data show that there is probably no diurnal variation in the response of the adrenal to ACTH, if one eliminates the influence of the basal cortisol level and uses physiologic rather than superphysiologic stimuli.

scholarly journals Post-surgical hypocortisolism after removal of an adrenal incidentaloma: is it predictable by an accurate endocrinological work-up before surgery?

2010 ◽  
Vol 162 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Eller-Vainicher ◽  
Valentina Morelli ◽  
Antonio Stefano Salcuni ◽  
Massimo Torlontano ◽  
Francesca Coletti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Unilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Few Data

ObjectiveFew data are available regarding the need of steroid substitutive therapy after unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal incidentaloma (AI). It is unknown whether, before surgery, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis secretion parameters can predict post-surgical hypocortisolism.AimThis study aimed to evaluate whether, in AI patients undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy, post-surgical hypocortisolism could be predicted by the parameters of HPA axis function.DesignProspective, multicenter.MethodsA total of 60 patients underwent surgical removal of AI (surgical indication: 29 subclinical hypercortisolism (SH); 31 AI dimension). Before surgery, SH was diagnosed in patients presenting at least three criteria out of urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels>60 μg/24 h, cortisol after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST)>3.0 μg/dl, ACTH levels<10 pg/ml, midnight serum cortisol (MSC)>5.4 μg/dl.Two months after surgery, HPA axis function was assessed by low dose ACTH stimulation test or insulin tolerance test when needed: 39 patients were affected (Group B) and 21 were not affected (Group A) with hypocortisolism. The accuracy in predicting hypocortisolism of pre-surgical HPA axis parameters or their combinations was evaluated.ResultsThe presence of >2 alterations among 1 mg-DST>5.0 μg/dl, ACTH<10 pg/ml, elevated UFC and MSC has the highest odds ratio (OR) for predicting post-surgical hypocortisolism (OR 10.45, 95% confidence interval, CI 2.54–42.95, P=0.001). Post-surgical hypocortisolism was predicted with 100% probability by elevated UFC plus MSC levels, but not ruled out even in the presence of the normality of all HPA axis parameters.ConclusionPost-surgical hypocortisolism cannot be pre-surgically ruled out. A steroid substitutive therapy is indicated after unilateral adrenalectomy for SH or size of the adenoma.

scholarly journals Patients With Apparently Nonfunctioning Adrenal Incidentalomas May Be at Increased Cardiovascular Risk Due to Excessive Cortisol Secretion

2014 ◽  
Vol 99 (8) ◽  
pp. 2754-2762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis I. Androulakis ◽  
Gregory A. Kaltsas ◽  
Georgios E. Kollias ◽  
Athina C. Markou ◽  
Aggeliki K. Gouli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Homeostasis Model Assessment ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Adrenal Imaging ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Context: Although adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors, it is not clear whether patients with nonfunctioning AI (NFAI) have increased CVR. Objective: Our objective was to investigate CVR in patients with NFAI. Design and Setting: This case-control study was performed in a tertiary general hospital. Subjects: Subjects included 60 normotensive euglycemic patients with AI and 32 healthy controls (C) with normal adrenal imaging. Main Outcome Measures: All participants underwent adrenal imaging, biochemical and hormonal evaluation, and the following investigations: 1) measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and flow-mediated dilatation, 2) 2-hour 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test and calculation of insulin resistance indices (homeostasis model assessment, quantitative insulin sensitivity check, and Matsuda indices), 3) iv ACTH stimulation test, 4) low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, and 5) NaCl (0.9%) post-dexamethasone saline infusion test. Results: Based on cutoffs obtained from controls, autonomous cortisol secretion was documented in 26 patients (cortisol-secreting AI [CSAI] group), whereas 34 exhibited adequate cortisol and aldosterone suppression (NFAI group). IMT measurements were higher and flow-mediated vasodilatation was lower in the CSAI group compared with both NFAI and C and in the NFAI group compared with C. The homeostasis model assessment index was higher and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and Matsuda indices were lower in the CSAI and NFAI groups compared with C as well as in CSAI compared with the NFAI group. The area under the curve for cortisol after ACTH stimulation was higher in the CSAI group compared with the NFAI group and C and in the NFAI group compared with C. In the CSAI group, IMT correlated with cortisol, urinary free cortisol, and cortisol after a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, whereas in the NFAI group, IMT correlated with area under the curve for cortisol after ACTH stimulation and urinary free cortisol. Conclusions: Patients with CSAI without hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia exhibit adverse metabolic and CVR factors. In addition, NFAIs are apparently associated with increased insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction that correlate with subtle but not autonomous cortisol excess.

Serum cortisol concentrations during low dose dexamethasone suppression test to screen for Cushing's syndrome

BMJ ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 290 (6462) ◽  
pp. 158-159
Author(s):  
L. Kennedy ◽  
D. Hadden ◽  
B. Atkinson ◽  
B Sheridan ◽  
H. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression Test ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Reproducibility of the cortisol response to stimulation with a low dose of ACTH(1–24): the effect of basal cortisol levels and comparison of low-dose with high-dose secretory dynamics

1993 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Crowley ◽  
P. C. Hindmarsh ◽  
J. W. Honour ◽  
C. G. D. Brook
Keyword(s):  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Basal Cortisol ◽  
Basal Cortisol Level ◽  
Adrenal Response ◽  
Serum Cortisol Concentration

ABSTRACT We compared the reproducibility and repeatability of the acute adrenal response to low doses (90 and 500 ng/1·73 m2) of Synacthen (ACTH(1–24)) with that of the standard dose (250 μg/1·73 m2). We also examined the effect of basal cortisol levels on peak values achieved after stimulation with a low dose. ACTH(1–24) was given to six male volunteers: 90 ng/1·73 m2 twice at 90-min intervals on day 1, and 90 and 500 ng/1·73 m2 once on day 2 and 250 μg/1·73 m2 once on day 3. The rise in serum cortisol concentration with repeated low doses of ACTH was not attenuated (161 ± 49 (s.d.) nmol/l on initial vs 150 ± 41 nmol/l on repeat stimulation; P = 0·5) and this was reproducible (161 ± 49 nmol/l on day 1 vs 148 ± 15 nmol/l on day 2; P = 0·6). A dose of 500 ng ACTH(1–24)/1·73 m2 produced a maximal adrenal response in that the rise in serum cortisol concentration at 20 min was identical with that produced at the same time by the standard dose of 250 μg/1·73 m2. There was a strong positive correlation between the basal cortisol level and peak cortisol concentration after low-dose ACTH stimulation (r = 0·93, P < 0·001) but not between the basal cortisol level and the incremental rise (r= −0·1, P = 0·69). These results suggest that the cortisol response to low-dose ACTH stimulation is reproducible and not attenuated by repeat stimulation at 90-min intervals. The incremental rise in serum cortisol concentration after ACTH stimulation appears constant in these situations and is not influenced by the basal cortisol level. When there is concern that the standard dose may be excessive and mask subtle but important changes in adrenal function, the low dose (500 ng) of ACTH should be used. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 167–172

scholarly journals SAT-266 Accelerated Osteoporosis - a Rare Presentation of Cushing’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijaykumar Sekar ◽  
Joseph Hughes ◽  
Sugam Gouli
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Post Menopausal ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Abstract Background: Osteoporosis in post-menopausal women is usually due to bone loss from estrogen deficiency and/or age. Secondary osteoporosis (SO) is less common. Up to 30% of postmenopausal women and 50% of men with osteoporosis may have an underlying cause. Cushing’s disease (CD) is one cause of SO but rarely the presenting symptoms. The prevalence of osteoporosis (69.6% vs 37.8%) is significantly higher in patients with adrenal rather than pituitary CD. Diagnosing CD remains a challenge to physicians in spite of advances in diagnostic techniques. We report a case of CD in a post-menopausal woman presenting as accelerated osteoporosis. Clinical Case A 63-year-old Caucasian female with a history of hypertension and hysterectomy in her 50s on transdermal estrogen was referred to our Endocrine clinic for evaluation of osteoporosis and incidental finding of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia on CT spine. The patient rapidly developed kyphoscoliosis within the past 2 years. She was debilitated by pain and decreased mobility from compression fractures and spinal stenosis, and underwent thoracic and lumbar fusion surgery. On physical examination, her heart rate was 64 beats per minute, blood pressure 130/92 mmHg, weight 188 lbs. and Height 5.1 ft; a year ago it was 5.5 ft. Her face appeared round but not red. Buffalo hump and supraclavicular pad were noted. No striae or bruises noted. Healing surgical scars over the thoracic and lumbar spine were violaceous. The patient’s urine free cortisol levels, tested a month apart, were 190 mcg and 132 mcg (n 3.5-45 mcg/24h). Midnight salivary cortisol levels taken consecutive nights were 160 ng/dL and 513 ng/dL (n &lt; 100 ng/dL). Morning Serum Cortisol and ACTH were 20.2 ug/dL and 14 pg/mL (n Cortisol 6.0-27.0 ug/dL and ACTH 7.2-63 pg/mL). Following low dose (1mg) dexamethasone suppression testing, her serum cortisol were 12.6 ug/dL, ACTH levels were 32 pg/mL and dexamethasone were 187 ng/dL (n &lt; 30 ng/dL). 25-Hydroxy D total, TSH, Free T4, PTH intact, calcium, renin, aldosterone and SPEP levels were normal. Renal and liver functions were normal except alkaline phosphatase was 142 U/L (n 34-104 U/L). Pituitary MRI with contrast showed pituitary microadenoma. The patient was referred to a neurosurgeon and is planned for an inferior petrosal sinus sampling prior to transsphenoidal resection. Conclusion Cushing’s disease as a cause of osteoporosis is rare. Diagnosis of Cushing’s can be challenging in patients without obvious signs, as in our patient who was referred to an endocrinologist due to incidental finding of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. A high degree of clinical suspicion is needed when investigating CD, as initial test results can be indecisive. As in our patient, initial ACTH and cortisol levels were normal, the low dose dexamethasone suppression test helped us direct our diagnosis towards CD.

scholarly journals Decreased pituitary sensitivity to glucocorticoids in endurance-trained men

2001 ◽  
pp. 363-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Duclos ◽  
JB Corcuff ◽  
F Pehourcq ◽  
A Tabarin
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Test Results ◽  
O2 Uptake ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

OBJECTIVE: Muscular exercise induces hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and when regularly repeated, as in endurance training, leads to HPA axis adaptation. To assess whether non-professional endurance-trained (ET) men with a substantial training load and no clinical or biological features of HPA axis overactivity can present subtle alterations of HPA axis sensitivity to glucocorticoid negative feedback, nine ET men were subjected to HPA axis testing using the dexamethasone-corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) test. DESIGN: Nine endurance-trained men and eight healthy age-matched sedentary men were studied. Morning plasma cortisol and 24 h urinary free cortisol (UFC) were determined and a low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) was performed followed by CRH stimulation (dexamethasone-CRH test). RESULTS: After a day without physical exercise, at 0800 h, plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations, and the 24 h UFC and UFC/urinary creatinine (UC) ratio were similar in ET and sedentary men. By contrast, clear differences between the groups were seen in cortisol and ACTH responses to the dexamethasone-CRH test. In eight ET subjects, after LDDST, basal ACTH and cortisol levels were similar to those of sedentary men, whereas one ET subject displayed a poor suppression of cortisol level (131 nmol/l). After injection of CRH, however, three of nine ET men's cortisol levels were not suppressed by dexamethasone but instead displayed significant CRH-induced increase (peak cortisol: 88, 125 and 362 nmol/l). No sedentary subject exhibited any increase in cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: Three of nine ET men with a mean maximum rate of O2 uptake (VO2, max) of 61 ml/kg per min, running 50-70 km per week, were resistant to glucocorticoid suppression during the combined dexamethasone-CRH test.

scholarly journals Morning Serum Cortisol as a Predictor for the HPA Axis Recovery in Cushing’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Q. Cui ◽  
D. Liu ◽  
B. Xiang ◽  
Q. Sun ◽  
L. Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Postoperative Course ◽  
Morning Serum Cortisol

Background. The suppressed hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis after successful surgery for Cushing’s disease (CD) will recover in almost all patients. We aimed to identify the predictive factors for HPA axis recovery in CD patients with postoperative remission. Design and Methods. This observational retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 69 CD patients with postoperative remission in Huashan Hospital from 2015 to 2019. All subjects had a detailed clinical evaluation. The low-dose ACTH stimulation test (LDT) was conducted as the gold standard for assessing the HPA axis function. Results. Peak cortisol in LDT was found only to be positively correlative with morning serum cortisol (MSC) ( ρ = 0.451 , p < 0.001 ). The MSC was higher ( p < 0.001 ), and the median postoperative course was significantly longer ( p = 0.025 ) in the patients with the recovered HPA axis function compared with unrecovered patients. The AUC value of MSC for predicting the recovery of the HPA axis was 0.701, and the optimal cutoff was 6.25 μg/dl (sensitivity 85.19% and specificity 47.62%). Other useful cutoff values were 10.74 μg/dl (specificity 100%) and 4.18 μg/dl (sensitivity 100%). Besides, combined with the postoperative course, the AUC values were higher than MSC alone (0.935 vs. 0.701, p < 0.001 ). Conclusions. MSC is a viable first-step diagnostic predictor for HPA axis recovery in CD patients with postoperative remission. For the patients with cortisol levels between 4.18 and 10.74 μg/dl, a confirmatory test should be conducted. When the MSC level was 10.74 μg/dl or greater, the replacement therapy could be discontinued.

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