INVESTIGATION OF URINARY STEROID PROFILES AS A DIAGNOSTIC METHOD IN CUSHING'S SYNDROME

Abstract

Patients with Cushing's syndrome may be discriminated from normal subjects on the basis of their respective neutral urinary steroid profile. In the former group, evidence is presented that lowered levels of T3 secondary to hypercortisolism, decrease the liver enzymes associated with 5α‐ reductase and 11β‐hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase activity. As a result the metabolism of cortisol and androstenedione in Cushing's syndrome yields an unique pattern dominated by 5β and 11β‐hydroxy steroid metabolites.