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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hypercortisolism due to an autonomously functioning pituitary adenoma: limitations in diagnostic test procedures.

We report a patient with pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome in whom standard biochemical testing procedures failed to define the pituitary as the source of autonomous hormone secretion. Anomalous findings included: 1) wide variations of urinary steroid excretion during a 4-day dexamethasone suppression test, 2) a rise of the serum cortisol after the single dose (8 mg) overnight dexamethasone suppression test, 3) a diminished serum 11-deoxycortisol response to the metyrapone test, and 4) an absent plasma ACTH response to CRH. While the results of these studies were most consistent with an ectopic source of ACTH production, magnetic resonance imaging suggested that Cushing's syndrome was due to a pituitary adenoma. The adenoma was removed by transphenoidal surgery. However, serum and urinary steroid levels remained measurable for 2 weeks because of the perioperative use of im cortisone acetate. Subsequent im administration of 200 mg cortisone acetate again led to prolonged serum and urinary steroid responses to this compound, thus emphasizing the pitfalls that may accompany the perioperative use of cortisone acetate. This patient demonstrates the importance of performing multiple tests, including magnetic resonance image scanning, in evaluation Cushing's syndrome, since standard biochemical testing may not indicate pituitary ACTH hypersecretion as the cause.

Adenoma↗

Cushing's disease.

Cushing's disease is a form of Cushing's syndrome, persistent inappropriate hypercortisolism, that results from pituitary ACTH hypersecretion. It currently accounts for 70 per cent of adult cases of Cushing's syndrome and affects mainly women of childbearing age. The pathology, cause, and clinical and laboratory features of the disease are discussed. The initial step in diagnosis is documentation of endogenous hypercortisolism, which is followed by identification of the cause. Selective transsphenoidal resection of ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas is the initial treatment of choice. The roles of radiotherapy and medical therapy are discussed.

Adrenalectomy↗

A case of ectopic ACTH syndrome: diagnostic difficulties caused by intermittent hormone secretion.

A patient with a thymic carcinoid tumour causing ectopic ACTH syndrome is presented. The case illustrates the rapid development of the clinical and laboratory findings often associated with ectopic secretion of ACTH, including severe proximal myopathy, emotional lability, and hypokalaemic alkalosis. Interpretation of conventional tests of pituitary-adrenal function was complicated by intermittent secretion of ACTH by the tumour. The results of selective venous sampling for ACTH ruled out pituitary ACTH hypersecretion and were suggestive of a thymic source; computerized tomography of the chest localized the tumour. In vivo and in vitro investigations confirmed excessive ACTH production by the tumour, and surgical resection plus radiotherapy has resulted in resolution of the syndrome. The diagnostic problems created by intermittent secretion of ACTH by these tumours and the pre-operative and post-operative medical management of these patients are discussed.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

Cushing's disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders in women: Impacts on fertility, pregnancy, and menopause.

Cushing's disease (CD) and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) are two distinct but interconnected endocrinopathies affecting predominantly women. A primary cause of CD is excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion, which leads to hypercortisolism and profound hormonal and immune changes. As with AITDs, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are caused by a loss of immune tolerance and frequently coexist with female reproductive dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic hypercortisolism in CD suppresses immunity as well as alters hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis activity, which may mask or exacerbate thyroid autoimmunity after disease remission. Coexisting CD and AITD has significant effects on women's reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and menopausal transitions, as thyroid and adrenal hormones play a crucial role in regulating ovulatory cycles, placental development, bone formation, and cardiovascular health. In this review, shared pathophysiological pathways are explored, clinical and therapeutic challenges are highlighted, and integrated management strategies are discussed. To improve early diagnosis, tailor treatment approaches, and guide future endocrine research, it is essential to understand the compounded risks of dual endocrinopathy.

Humans↗

Evidence for orphan nuclear receptor TR4 in the etiology of Cushing disease.

Cushing disease (CD) is a life-threatening disorder attributed to excess pituitary tumor-derived adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal steroid secretion caused by pituitary tumors. Whereas CD was first described in 1932, the underlying genetic basis driving tumor growth and ACTH secretion remains unsolved. Here, we show that testicular orphan nuclear receptor 4 (TR4, nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group C, member 2) is overexpressed in human corticotroph tumors as well as in human and mouse corticotroph tumor cell lines. Forced overexpression of TR4 in both human and murine tumor cells increased proopiomelanocortin transcription, ACTH secretion, cellular proliferation, and tumor invasion rates in vitro. Conversely, knockdown of TR4 expression reversed all phenotypes. Mechanistically, we show that TR4 transcriptionally activates proopiomelanocortin through binding of a direct repeat 1 response element in the promoter, and that this is enhanced by MAPK-mediated TR4 phosphorylation. In vivo, TR4 overexpression promotes murine corticotroph tumor growth as well as enhances ACTH and corticosterone production, whereas TR4 knockdown decreases circulating ACTH and corticosterone levels in mice harboring ACTH-secreting tumors. Our findings directly link TR4 to the etiology of corticotroph tumors, hormone secretion, and cell growth as well as identify it as a potential target in the treatment of CD.

ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma↗