Clin Chem. 1989 Nov;35(11):2216-9.

Decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in pigmented nodular adrenal dysplasia.

Clinical chemistry

S S Braithwaite, S Collins, R A Prinz, J L Walloch, G L Winters

PMID: 2531049

Abstract

Previous reports on patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome describe low concentrations of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in adrenal adenoma and in a case of feminizing macronodular hyperplasia. Here we present hormonal data from two adult sisters with Cushing's syndrome as a result of pigmented nodular adrenal dysplasia. Corticotropin concentrations were in the mid-normal range, cortisol production was unaffected by administration of dexamethasone (8 mg/24 h), and baseline concentrations of DHEA-S were less than 0.5 mumol/L. A low concentration of DHEA-S in these and other previously reported patients with Cushing's syndrome correctly predicts the results of dynamic testing. Decreased DHEA-S in a patient with endogenous Cushing's syndrome can be ascertained by assay of a single sample and should prompt consideration of the diagnosis of autonomous bilateral nodular disease as well as adrenal adenoma.

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Substances

• Dehydroepiandrosterone
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate

MeSH terms

• Adrenal Glands / pathology
• Adult
• Cushing Syndrome / blood
• Cushing Syndrome / pathology
• Dehydroepiandrosterone / analogs & derivatives
• Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
• Female
• Humans

Publication Types

• Case Reports
• Journal Article

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