[Cushing with transition from pituitary to adrenal origin. Study with SPECT scintigraphy of the adrenal cortex with norcholesterol-I 131 in a case]

Rev Med Chil. 1998 Sep;126(9):1103-7.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The case of a 49 yr old alcoholic women with clinical and laboratory findings that suggested a Cushing syndrome is presented. The functional tests showed cortisol suppression greater than 50% of the basal value with 8 mg of dexamethasone and no response in the combined dexamethasone/desmopressin test. Pituitary Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was negative, Abdominal Computed Axial Tomography suggested hyperplastic adrenal glands; adrenal nodules were not found in the NMR. Pituitary or hipothalamic Cushing with secondary autonomous micronodular adrenal hyperplasia was suspected. Norcholesterol-I131 SPECT scintigraphy under dexamethasone suppression demonstrated a functional adrenal hyperplasia which was hystologically confirmed.

MeSH terms

  • 19-Iodocholesterol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adrenal Cortex / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adrenal Glands
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Gland
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • I-norcholesterol
  • 19-Iodocholesterol