Cushing's Syndrome: Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
Topic Overview
The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test
helps determine whether a
pituitary tumor may be causing
Cushing's syndrome. It is sometimes done with an inferior
petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) test.
In these tests, a small tube (catheter) is used
to collect samples from blood vessels coming from the pituitary gland near the brain and also from a vein in your arm. You will get an injection of CRH, and samples of your blood near your pituitary gland and from your arm are taken.
If these blood samples
show high levels of
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, it usually
indicates that the pituitary gland has a tumor.
If blood levels of ACTH and cortisol
do not rise, your doctor may then look for an
adrenal tumor or a cancerous tumor elsewhere in your
body.
Credits
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology |
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Last Revised
|
January 10, 2012 |
Last Revised:
January 10, 2012