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Do Normal Levels Of 11-deoxycortisol Indicate Adequate ACTH Reserves?
Question: Hello. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. An acth-producing adenoma was removed from my pituitary gland. Later I underwent a radiation procedure. I ended up being hypo pituitary.
My cushing's symptoms have returned, and I am going to have a lot of testing.
My 11-deoxycortisol (serum) level was in the lab's normal range. I believe this means that I have adequate ACTH reserves. Does this also mean that I must be producing acth on my own again?
My cushing's symptoms have returned, and I am going to have a lot of testing.
My 11-deoxycortisol (serum) level was in the lab's normal range. I believe this means that I have adequate ACTH reserves. Does this also mean that I must be producing acth on my own again?
Brief Answer:
Some more info needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
11 deoxycortisol is not the only lab exam that confirms or rules out an overproduction of ACTh and cortisol.
You need to check ACTH and free urinary cortisol at the 24-hour urine.
The fact that 11 deoxy is within the normal ranges is a good news.
If you have other blood tests, please attach them.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
Some more info needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
11 deoxycortisol is not the only lab exam that confirms or rules out an overproduction of ACTh and cortisol.
You need to check ACTH and free urinary cortisol at the 24-hour urine.
The fact that 11 deoxy is within the normal ranges is a good news.
If you have other blood tests, please attach them.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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