Exploration biochimique de la corticosurrénale

Abstract

AbstractPathologies affecting the adrenocortical gland may be due to an increase or a decrease in the secretion of the steroid hormones that produces, in particular cortisol. Cushing’s syndrome is associated to an excess production, while adrenal insufficiency is caused by a defect in this production. As the majority of clinical and biological signs are non-specific, the diagnosis of these pathologies is often delayed. These different pathologies can originate from the adrenal gland itself, with a dysfunction in the production of steroid hormones, or can be due to an alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. This leads to a variation in the secretion of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) which regulates cortisol production. To determine the origin of these pathologies, their biological exploration first assessed the secretion of cortisol, then of ACTH to specify their adrenal or hypothalamic-pituitary origin. Various dynamic stimulation or suppression tests are then used to determine the etiological origin of the disease.