Biochemical evaluation of adrenal dysfunction: the laboratory perspective

In this study, we reviewed the diagnostic efficiency of laboratory tests that are performed for assessment of patients with Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency. Baseline laboratory data from patients subsequently diagnosed with adrenal dysfunction were analyzed for tests performed between 1987 and 1989 at our institution. Results were analyzed for 36 patients diagnosed with pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome, 15 with ectopic Cushing's syndrome, 12 with adrenal-dependent Cushing's syndrome, 20 with primary adrenal insufficiency, and 7 with secondary adrenal insufficiency. Tests reviewed were plasma cortisol, plasma corticotropin, urinary free cortisol, urinary 17-ketosteroids, urinary ketogenic steroids, low-dose and high-dose dexamethasone suppression, and metyrapone stimulation. Our findings suggest that a substantial proportion of diagnoses could be based on the results of three tests--plasma corticotropin, plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol. We present a nomogram that combines the results of plasma corticotropin and plasma cortisol testing to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of these tests.