title: Adrenal dysfunction: test strategies for diagnosis.
abstract: The best way to detect Cushing's syndrome is to measure urinary free cortisol and to conduct a 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test. The best way to distinguish among the varieties of Cushing's syndrome is to measure plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Urinary 17-ketosteroid and plasma testosterone determinations are the most useful tests for finding the cause of virilization. Short ACTH stimulation is the test of choice to detect adrenal insufficiency.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D014770:Virilism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones