Thromboembolic complications after inferior petrosal sinus sampling in patients with cushing's syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To heighten the awareness of treating physicians of the potential for serious and fatal thromboembolic complications after inferior petrosal sinus sampling in patients with Cushing's syndrome.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed inpatient and outpatient medical records for a 12-year period to identify patients with Cushing's syndrome who had thromboembolic complications after inferior petrosal sinus sampling at a single institution. Case reports of affected patients are presented.


RESULTS
Of 34 patients with corticotropin-dependent Cushing's syndrome who underwent inferior petrosal sinus sampling, 2 had deep venous thrombosis. One of these patients succumbed to pulmonary thromboembolism.


CONCLUSIONS
Serious and potentially fatal thromboembolic disorders may complicate inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Prospective studies should be undertaken to determine the true incidence of deep venous thrombosis after this procedure in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
Blevins
L S
LS
Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6303, USA.
Clark
R V
RV
Owens
D S
DS