Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do These Units Of Cortisol And ACTH Indicate?
Question: ACTH level 1.3 post low dose dexamethasone test and Cortisol .8 . Does this indicate a problem or possible adrenal tumor?
Brief Answer:
Timing is important
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. The units of cortisol and ACTH is not provided. That is very important. Do you have the actual report? Could you attach it?
If it is in micrograms ( mcg), a post low dose dexamethasone serum cortisol of 0.8 mcg/dl is a normal response. ( < 1.8 is normally suppressed response). Was it checked at 8 AM? This probably rules out Cushing's syndrome. However, if there is strong clinical suspicion of Cushings syndrome, then another test should be repeated.
ACTH should never be checked the next day after dexamethasobe test. It is not reliable in tha way. What was the time interval between dexamethasone dose and ACTH test? Was ACTH drawn at 8 AM? Was it measured in the inhouse lab or sent elsewhere? In that case, did they collect that in ice bags?? These questions are relevent.
Await your reply
Regards
Binu
Timing is important
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. The units of cortisol and ACTH is not provided. That is very important. Do you have the actual report? Could you attach it?
If it is in micrograms ( mcg), a post low dose dexamethasone serum cortisol of 0.8 mcg/dl is a normal response. ( < 1.8 is normally suppressed response). Was it checked at 8 AM? This probably rules out Cushing's syndrome. However, if there is strong clinical suspicion of Cushings syndrome, then another test should be repeated.
ACTH should never be checked the next day after dexamethasobe test. It is not reliable in tha way. What was the time interval between dexamethasone dose and ACTH test? Was ACTH drawn at 8 AM? Was it measured in the inhouse lab or sent elsewhere? In that case, did they collect that in ice bags?? These questions are relevent.
Await your reply
Regards
Binu
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
