|
|
|
|
|
|
ACTH Test
Also known as: Adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticotropin Related tests: Cortisol; Synacthen stimulation test; dexamethasone suppression test
|
|
|
|
   
 |
|
|
Common Questions
|
| |
1. What is the difference between Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome?
2. What is Addison's disease?
3. My doctor told me that my extra ACTH is not produced in my pituitary gland. What is going on?
1. What is the difference between Cushing's disease and Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing's disease is the term used for Cushing's syndrome when it is caused by pituitary disease. In this condition there is overstimulation of the adrenal gland due to the production of ACTH, by usually benign tumours of the pituitary. Cushing's syndrome causes the same symptoms but is not caused by a pituitary tumour. It is usually caused by steroid hormones (often used to treat cancer or autoimmune disease) or by tumours of the adrenal glands, or tumours outside the pituitary (usually in the lungs) which make ACTH.
2. What is Addison's disease?
Addison's disease is caused by the destruction of the part of the adrenal gland that makes the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. This is often due to autoimmune disease. The lack of cortisol and aldosterone produces symptoms such as weight loss, muscle weakness, tiredness and low blood pressure.
3. My doctor told me that my extra ACTH is not produced in my pituitary gland. What is going on?
Another way your body can make ACTH is called 'ectopic production'. This means that ACTH is made from tumours elsewhere in the body, usually (but not always) in the lungs. This causes Cushing's syndrome and may alert your doctor to the presence of a tumour.
|
|
|
This page was last modified on
April 7, 2004.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
