scholarly journals ACTH Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome: A 72-Hour Trial of Octreotide will Identify Patients with Pituitary Dependent and Ectopic ACTH Overproduction

2020 ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Omayma Elshafie ◽  
Nicholas Woodhouse
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Somatostatin Receptors ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Pituitary Tumours ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Aims: To determine whether the use of an octreotide suppression test will reliably distinguish pituitary from ectopic ACTH overproduction.  Somatostatin receptors are expressed in NETs, but are downgraded in the pituitary as the result of hypercortisolaemia. Octreotide should therefore lower ACTH and cortisol levels in patients with NETs but not in patients with Cushing’s disease and pituitary tumors. Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed in 13 patents with ACTH dependent Cushing’s (8 women, 5 men) with ages ranging between 21 to 40 years were studied. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured at 0800 hrs before and during the administration of. Octreotide at a dosage of 100 mcg subcutaneously every 8 hours for 72 hours. Results: The serum cortisol concentrations returned to normal in 4 patients who were later documented to have ectopic disease, two with typical bronchial carcinoids and two with pancreatic NETs and metastatic disease. The other 9 patients had no suppression in serum cortisol concentrations and were documented later to have pituitary tumours. Conclusion: These results indicate that a short trial of octreotide will identify patients with ectopic disease as evidenced by a fall in serum cortisol levels whereas in those with Cushing’s disease and pituitary tumours serum cortisol levels remains unchanged.  Recommendation: We recommend all patients with ACTH dependent Cushing’s syndrome have an octreotide suppression test, even if the MRI shows an adenoma, so as to exclude the possibility of a pituitary incidentaloma in a patient with ectopic disease, or false localization from IPSS to the pituitary gland due to ectopic CRH secretion.

Selective Venous Sampling for ACTH in Cushing’s Syndrome: Differentiation Between Cushing’s Disease and the Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

1982 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 618-619
Author(s):  
J.W. Findling ◽  
D.C. Aron ◽  
J.B. Tyrrell ◽  
J.H. Shinsako ◽  
P.A. Fitzgerald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Syndrome Differentiation ◽  
Venous Sampling ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Selective Venous Sampling

scholarly journals Cushing’s Syndrome: Important Issues in Diagnosis and Management

2006 ◽  
Vol 91 (10) ◽  
pp. 3746-3753 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Findling ◽  
Hershel Raff
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Somatostatin Receptor ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Recent Monograph

Abstract Context: The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome are challenging problems in clinical endocrinology. We focus on critical questions addressing screening for Cushing’s syndrome, differentiation of Cushing’s subtypes, and treatment options. Evidence Acquisition: Ovid’s MEDLINE (1996 through April 2006) was used to search the general literature. We also relied on previously published reviews and a recent monograph and cite a mix of primary articles and recent reviews. Evidence Synthesis: Although this article represents our opinion, it draws heavily on a recent consensus statement from experts in the field and a recent monograph on Cushing’s syndrome. Conclusions: We concluded that: 1) measurement of late-night or bedtime salivary cortisol is a useful approach to screen for Cushing’s syndrome; 2) measurement of suppressed plasma ACTH by immunometric assay is useful to differentiate ACTH-dependent and -independent Cushing’s syndrome; 3) inferior petrosal sinus sampling for ACTH should be performed in patients with ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism in whom a pituitary magnetic resonance imaging is normal or equivocal (in the absence of a pituitary ACTH gradient, prolactin levels should be measured to confirm the integrity of venous sampling); 4) computed tomography of the chest and abdomen and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy should be performed in patients with the occult ectopic ACTH syndrome; and 5) patients with Cushing’s disease should be referred to a neurosurgeon with extensive experience operating on corticotroph microadenomas. Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be considered in patients with Cushing’s disease who fail therapies directed at the pituitary.

scholarly journals Pleurihormonal Pituitary Adenomas Presenting as Acromegaly

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A602-A602
Author(s):  
Megan Schwehr ◽  
Mayumi Endo
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Fatty Infiltration ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Peripheral Muscle ◽  
Suppression Test

Abstract Background: Pleurihormonal pituitary adenomas represent 10-15% of all functioning pituitary adenomas1. One of the rarest combinations is ACTH-GH co-secretion with concomitant acromegaly and Cushing’s disease. Clinical Case: 30-year-old female with type 2 diabetes (A1c 11.4%) developed rapidly progressive peripheral neuropathy. Labs revealed a transaminitis. Hepatic ultrasound revealed fatty infiltration of the liver consistent with steatosis. Patient endorsed life-long “chicken legs”, buffalo hump, and easy bruising. She continued to have worsening paresthesias and stated her teeth were “more translucent”. At an endocrinology visit peripheral muscle wasting, atraumatic bruising at the ankles and toes,and striae on the abdomen, shoulders, breasts, and armpits were noted. She had also noted teeth separation and thinning over time and worsening diffuse joint aches. Lab results showed elevated cortisol value of 8.4 mcg/dl after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. 24-hour urine cortisol was elevated (87 ug/24 hrs, nl < 45 ug/24 hrs), confirming the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. ACTH was inappropriately normal (56 pg/mL, nl 7.2 – 63 pg/mL), suggesting ACTH dependency. IGF-1 was elevated twice (328 ng/dL and 391 ng/dL, nl <303 ng/dL), and a GH suppression test was abnormal (GH 1.14 ng/mL at 90 minutes) confirming the diagnosis of acromegaly. Brain MRI revealed a cystic pituitary microadenoma (0.5 x 0.5 x 0.6 cm), and the patient underwent surgical resection via transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with total tumor removal. Immunostaining was positive for only synaptophysin and ACTH. Postoperative diagnosis of Cushing’s disease was made, with formal diagnosis of acromegaly pending improvement in follow-up IGF-1 levels. Literature reviews have revealed very few cases of pleurihormonal pituitary adenomas presenting with concomitant Cushing’s Syndrome and acromegaly. Roca et. al examined 17 studies which described 20 patients with this condition; only 4 presented with symptoms of both acromegaly and Cushing’s disease. In many cases previously reported, the clinical presentation of Cushing’s syndrome was subtle, often with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome, while patients had florid symptoms of acromegaly.1. Conclusion: This Cushing’s predominant case of a GH-ACTH co-secreting tumor is an incredibly rare presentation for this pleurihormonal pituitary adenoma, which is already a rare diagnosis. References: 1.Roca E, Mattogno PP, Porcelli T, Poliani L, Belotti F, Schreiber A, Maffezzoni F, Fontanella MM, Doglietto F. Plurihormonal ACTH-GH Pituitary Adenoma: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review. World Neurosurg. 2018 Jun;114:e158-e164. PMID: 29501516.

scholarly journals Cyclic Cushing's syndrome

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 44-51
Author(s):  
E I Marova ◽  
I A Voronkova
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Plasma Cortisol Level ◽  
Average Life Expectancy ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Levels

The cyclic Cushing's syndrome is a rare disease characterized by multiple episodes of elevated cortisol levels alternating with periods of its normal secretion. The so-called hypercorticism cycles may be either regular or episodic with intercycle intervals as long as a few days to several years. Most researchers agree that the reliable diagnosis of cyclic Cushing's syndrome should be based on laboratory detection of 3 peaks and 2 falls of plasma cortisol level. Cyclic Cushing's syndrome may be either ACTH dependent or independent. A review of 65 verified cases indicates that this condition may be caused by pituitary corticotropinoma (54%), ectopic ACTH-producing tumour (26%), and adrenal tumour (roughly 11%). The cause of the disease remains uncertain in 9% of the patients. Pathophysiological mechanisms of cyclic Cushing's syndrome are poorly known. In certain cases of bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal corticosteroma, it may be associated with the presence of ectopic receptors or anomalous expression of normally located receptors. The majority of the patients presenting with cyclic Cushing's syndrome exhibit symptoms of classical hypercorticism that manifest themselves either on a permanent or cyclic basis. In a small number of patients, clinical signs of cyclic Cushing's syndrome are virtually absent. Variations of the clinical picture and conflicting results of hormonal assays taken together make cyclic Cushing's syndrome difficult to diagnose. Therefore, physicians must be aware of this condition and actively search for it in all patients believed to have an enhanced cortisol production despite normal results of laboratory analysis. Frequent changes of urinary or salivary free cortisol levels are reliable and convenient criteria for cyclic Cushing's syndrome in patients suspected to have this condition. Results of cortisol stimulation or suppression tests are likely to lead to a false conclusion due to spontaneous falls and rises in serum cortisol levels at the time of analysis. Given laboratory confirmation of cyclic Cushing's syndrome, subsequent studies should be focused on the elucidation of its cause. The average life expectancy of patients with cyclic Cushing's syndrome remains to be determined.

Human corticotropin releasing hormone test performance in the differential diagnosis between Cushing's disease and pseudo-Cushing state is enhanced by combined ACTH and cortisol analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 160 (6) ◽  
pp. 891-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Arnaldi ◽  
Giacomo Tirabassi ◽  
Roberta Papa ◽  
Giorgio Furlani ◽  
Laura Trementino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Peak Plasma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Peak Serum ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Releasing Hormone

ObjectiveCorticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) test does not reliably distinguish Cushing's disease (CD) from normality or pseudo-Cushing state (PC). We assessed whether this could be achieved with a novel approach while preserving the ability of the test to distinguish CD from ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS).DesignRetrospective/prospective study.Subjects and methodsWe studied 51 subjects with CD, 7 with EAS, 26 with PC, and 31 controls (CT). Human CRH (hCRH) test was performed at 0830 h by measuring plasma ACTH and serum cortisol at −15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min.ResultsThe area under the curve–ACTH exhibited a significant negative correlation with baseline serum cortisol in CT and PC, but not in CD or EAS patients. ACTH response to hCRH was blunted in PC compared with CT, whereas peak serum cortisol was higher in PC than in CT subjects. These findings suggested that ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome can be diagnosed by the presence of two hCRH test parameters and excluded if either or both are absent. Application of i) basal serum cortisol >12 μg/dl and peak plasma ACTH >54 pg/ml, or ii) peak serum cortisol >21 μg/dl and peak plasma ACTH >45 pg/ml, had 91.3% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 81–97.1) and 94.8% (CI 85.6–98.9) sensitivity and 98.2% (CI 90.6–99.9) and 91.2% (CI 80.7–97) specificity respectively, in diagnosing ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. The >14% serum cortisol increase from mean baseline values to the mean of 15 and 30 min values in patients who were positive for the test completely discriminated between CD and EAS.ConclusionsSimultaneous plasma ACTH and serum cortisol analysis enables the hCRH test to distinguish CD from PC and from normality, while preserving its ability to discriminate CD from EAS.

scholarly journals The role of inferior petrosal sinus sampling in the diagnostic localization of Cushing's disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivanand P. Lad ◽  
Chirag G. Patil ◽  
Edward R. Laws ◽  
Laurence Katznelson
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Treatment Decisions ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Inferior Petrosal Sinus ◽  
Acth Secretion ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling

✓ Cushing's syndrome can present a complex problem of differential diagnosis. Of cases in which hypercortisolemia results from an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–dependent process, approximately 80% are due to a pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease [CD]), 10% are due to adrenal lesions, and the remaining 10% are secondary to ectopic ACTH secretion. For patients with CD, surgical removal of the pituitary adenoma is the treatment of choice. Thus, localization of the source of ACTH secretion is critical in guiding timely treatment decisions. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) is considered to be the gold standard for confirming the origin of ACTH secretion in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The authors present an overview of IPSS—both the technique and its interpretation—as well as a summary of recent studies. A number of other techniques are discussed including sampling from the cavernous sinus, the jugular vein, and multiple sites to aid the diagnosis and lateralization of ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas. Management is best undertaken by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team taking into account the results of all the biochemical and imaging studies available, to provide the best advice in patient treatment decisions.

scholarly journals Menstrual Abnormalities in Women with Cushing’s Disease Are Correlated with Hypercortisolemia Rather Than Raised Circulating Androgen Levels

1998 ◽  
Vol 83 (9) ◽  
pp. 3083-3088 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lado-Abeal ◽  
J. Rodriguez-Arnao ◽  
J. D. C. Newell-Price ◽  
L. A. Perry ◽  
A. B. Grossman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Menstrual Irregularity ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Androgen Levels

Menstrual irregularity is a common complaint at presentation in women with Cushing’s syndrome, although the etiology has been little studied. We have assessed 45 female patients (median age, 32 yr; range, 16–41 yr) with newly diagnosed pituitary-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Patients were subdivided into 4 groups according to the duration of their menstrual cycle: normal cycles (NC; 26–30 days), oligomenorrhea (OL; 31–120 days), amenorrhea (AM; >120 days), and polymenorrhea (PM; <26 days). Blood was taken at 0900 h for measurement of LH, FSH, PRL, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and ACTH; cortisol was sampled at 0900, 1800, and 2400 h. The LH and FSH responses to 100 μg GnRH were analyzed in 23 patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Spearman tests. Only 9 patients had NC (20%), 14 had OL (31.1%), 15 had AM (33.3%), and 4 had PM (8.8%), whereas 3 had variable cycles (6.7%). By group, AM patients had lower serum E2 levels (median, 110 pmol/L) than OL patients (225 pmol/L; P < 0.05) or NC patients (279 pmol/L; P < 0.05), and higher serum cortisol levels at 0900 h (800 vs. 602 and 580 nmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05) and 1800 h (816 vs. 557 and 523 nmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05) and higher mean values from 6 samples obtained through the day (753 vs. 491 and 459 nmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05). For the whole group of patients there was a negative correlation between serum E2 and cortisol at 0900 h (r = −0.50; P < 0.01) and 1800 h (r = −0.56; P < 0.01) and with mean cortisol (r = −0.46; P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between any serum androgen and E2 or cortisol. The LH response to GnRH was normal in 43.5% of the patients, exaggerated in 52.1%, and decreased in 4.4%, but there were no significant differences among the menstrual groups. No differences were found in any other parameter. In summary, in our study 80% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome had menstrual irregularity, and this was most closely related to serum cortisol rather than to circulating androgens. Patients with AM had higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of E2, while the GnRH response was either normal or exaggerated. Our data suggest that the menstrual irregularity in Cushing’s disease appears to be the result of hypercortisolemic inhibition of gonadotropin release acting at a hypothalamic level, rather than raised circulating androgen levels.

Hypercortisolism with non-pigmented micronodular adrenal hyperplasia: transition from pituitary-dependent to adrenal-dependent Cushing's syndrome

1993 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berthold Hocher ◽  
Volker Bähr ◽  
Severin Dorfmüller ◽  
Wolfgang Oelkers
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Adrenal Cells ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Suppression Test

We report on a female patient with Cushing's syndrome in whom we observed the transition from pituitary dependency to adrenal dependency. Basal ACTH and cortisol values, the CRH test, the dexamethasone suppression test as well as CT of the pituitary and the adrenal gland all reflected pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease in 1985. The patient refused treatment, but presented again five years later. At that time ACTH was suppressed before and after CRH injection. Plasma cortisol did not respond to CRH. After ketoconazole therapy, ACTH was within the high normal range. The patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. The adrenals exhibited a bilateral micronodular hyperplasia of the zona fasciculata. In vitro examination of adrenal cells revealed a maintained ACTH response. Some weeks postoperatively, the patient died from pneumonia. Histological examination later showed a chromophobe pituitary microadenoma; ACTH was demonstrated immunohistologically in the adenoma. We postulate that some cases of pituitary Cushing's disease initially exhibit a bilateral homogeneous adrenal hyperplasia which then develops into a nodular hyperplasia; in the next stage of the disease, single micronodules may become autonomous and elevated cortisol levels suppress ACTH secretion of the pituitary adenoma.

scholarly journals Treatment of Adrenocorticotropin-Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome: A Consensus Statement

2008 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 2454-2462 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. K. Biller ◽  
A. B. Grossman ◽  
P. M. Stewart ◽  
S. Melmed ◽  
X. Bertagna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Therapy ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Ectopic Acth

Abstract Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the published literature and reach a consensus on the treatment of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, because there is no recent consensus on the management of this rare disorder. Participants: Thirty-two leading endocrinologists, clinicians, and neurosurgeons with specific expertise in the management of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome representing nine countries were chosen to address 1) criteria for cure and remission of this disorder, 2) surgical treatment of Cushing’s disease, 3) therapeutic options in the event of persistent disease after transsphenoidal surgery, 4) medical therapy of Cushing’s disease, and 5) management of ectopic ACTH syndrome, Nelson’s syndrome, and special patient populations. Evidence: Participants presented published scientific data, which formed the basis of the recommendations. Opinion shared by a majority of experts was used where strong evidence was lacking. Consensus Process: Participants met for 2 d, during which there were four chaired sessions of presentations, followed by general discussion where a consensus was reached. The consensus statement was prepared by a steering committee and was then reviewed by all authors, with suggestions incorporated if agreed upon by the majority. Conclusions: ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder requiring a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to patient management. Generally, the treatment of choice for ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome is curative surgery with selective pituitary or ectopic corticotroph tumor resection. Second-line treatments include more radical surgery, radiation therapy (for Cushing’s disease), medical therapy, and bilateral adrenalectomy. Because of the significant morbidity of Cushing’s syndrome, early diagnosis and prompt therapy are warranted.

scholarly journals Differentiating between Cushing's disease and pseudo-Cushing's syndrome: comparison of four tests

2014 ◽  
Vol 170 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
R A Alwani ◽  
L W Schmit Jongbloed ◽  
F H de Jong ◽  
A J van der Lely ◽  
W W de Herder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Late Night Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of four different tests in order to differentiate between Cushing's disease (CD) and pseudo-Cushing's syndrome (PCS).MethodsIn this prospective study, a total of 73 patients with clinical features of hypercortisolism and insufficient suppression of serum cortisol after 1 mg overnight dexamethasone and/or an elevated excretion of cortisol in 24-h urine samples were included. The circadian rhythm of serum cortisol levels as well as midnight serum cortisol (MserC) levels were assessed in all 73 patients. Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) concentrations were obtained in 44 patients. The dexamethasone–CRH (Dex–CRH) test was performed in 54 patients.ResultsFifty-three patients were diagnosed with CD and subsequently treated. Twenty patients were classified as having PSC. Serum cortisol circadian rhythm: the diurnal rhythmicity of cortisol secretion was retained in PCS. A cortisol midnight:morning ratio of >0.67 is highly suggestive of CD (positive predictive value (PPV) 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) 73%). MserC concentration >243 nmol/l has a PPV of 98% in predicting true CD (NPV 95%). LNSC level >9.3 nmol/l predicted CD in 94% of patients (NPV 100%). Dex–CRH test: after 2 days of dexamethasone suppression, a CRH-stimulated cortisol level >87 nmol/l (T=15 min) resulted in a PPV of 100% and an NPV of 90%.ConclusionThe Dex–CRH test as well as a single measurement of cortisol in serum or saliva at late (mid-) night demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating PCS from true CD.

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