Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Alternate Names : ACTH Suppression Test, Cortisol Suppression Test, DST
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
If there is not a normal response on the low dose test, abnormal secretion of cortisol is likely (Cushing's Syndrome). This could be a result of a cortisol producing adrenal tumor, a pituitary tumor that produces ACTH, or a tumor in the body that inappropriately produces ACTH. The high dose test can help distinguish a pituitary cause (Cushing's Disease) from the others.
Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal tumor
- low dose: no change
- high dose: no change
Cushing's syndrome related to ectopic ACTH-producing tumor- low dose: no change
- high dose: no change
Cushing's Syndrome caused by pituitary tumor (Cushing's Disease)
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