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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
New tools for the diagnosis of hypercortisolism
Qiang Zhao1, Oana C Sima2, Mariona Estape3
1Laboratory of Endocrine Disorders FCRB-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain.
Vitamins and Hormones
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Diagnosing hypercortisolism is difficult due to varied symptoms and cortisol levels. This review explores new biochemical tests and enhanced classical methods to improve diagnosis of conditions like Cushing syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Diagnosing endogenous autonomous hypercortisolism, from autonomous cortisol secretion to Cushing syndrome, is challenging.
- Clinical presentation and cortisol secretion patterns are highly variable.
- Biochemical advancements are crucial for refining diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging biochemical approaches for diagnosing hypercortisolism.
- To explore enhancements to classical diagnostic tests.
- To highlight novel biomarkers for improved detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on diagnostic tests for hypercortisolism.
- Examination of enhanced dexamethasone suppression tests (measuring dexamethasone concentrations).
- Analysis of novel biomarkers: salivary cortisone, hair cortisol, plasma/urine metabolomics, and omics-based techniques.
Main Results:
- Classical tests can be enhanced for better diagnostic performance.
- New biomarkers offer promising alternatives or adjuncts to existing methods.
- Omics-based techniques represent a frontier in hypercortisolism detection.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced classical tests and novel biomarkers can improve hypercortisolism diagnosis.
- A combination of approaches may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.
- Further research into these emerging tools is warranted for clinical application.
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