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The ACTH test (also called the cosyntropin, tetracosactide, or Synacthen test) is a medical test usually requested and interpreted by endocrinologists to assess the functioning of the adrenal glands' stress response by measuring the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; corticotropin) or another corticotropic agent such as tetracosactide (cosyntropin, tetracosactrin; Synacthen ...
One major diagnostic criterion is abnormally decreased post-ACTH plasma cortisol. Normal plasma cortisol after ACTH stimulation rules out adrenal insufficiency. [21] [22] [23] The only accurate test for hypoadrenocorticism is an ACTH stimulation test; however, any administration of a steroid other than dexamethasone will invalidate this test.
A low-dose ACTH stimulation test has been suggested as a sensitive test for secondary adrenal insufficiency diagnosis. [10] When compared to insulin tolerance testing [11] and the high-dose ACTH test, this test allows for a more accurate identification of patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency. [12]
Low-dose and high-dose variations of the test exist. [4] The test is given at low (usually 1–2 mg) and high (8 mg) doses of dexamethasone, and the levels of cortisol are measured to obtain the results. [5] A low dose of dexamethasone suppresses cortisol in individuals with no pathology in endogenous cortisol production.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone is used as a medication and as diagnostic agent in the ACTH stimulation test. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] : 316, 1165 [ 3 ] : 84, 271 The form that is purified from pig pituitary glands is known as corticotropin [ 1 ] [ 2 ] : 316 is a medication and naturally occurring polypeptide tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior ...
An ACTH stimulation test involving administration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) or another agent can differentiate this condition from ectopic ACTH secretion. In a patient with Cushing's disease, the tumor cells will be stimulated to release corticotropin and elevated plasma corticotropin levels will be detected. [ 8 ]
A study of 66 dogs with Cushing's found 91% of dogs to have either polyuria or polydipsia, 79% to have polyphagia, and 77% to have alopecia. [ 4 ] Signs of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion that accompany the rapidly progressing physical changes are high plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormones and cortisol alongside hypokalaemia .
Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (or IPSS), is a diagnostic medical procedure used to determine whether excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is coming from the pituitary gland (usually a pituitary adenoma causing Cushing's disease) or from a source outside the pituitary (a rare tumor causing ectopic ACTH syndrome). The procedure is usually ...