A STUDY ON THE METABOLISM OF CALCIUM IN THE HYPERADRENOCORTICAL SYNDROME

Abstract

An investigation of the calcium metabolism has been carried out in 16 patients with Cushing''s syndrome of various types and degrees, before and after either uni- or bilateral adrenalectomy, or implantation of the pituitary gland with 90 Y, and in 2 cases of adrenogenital syndrome. In all the cases of Cushing''s syndrome a disturbance of calcium metabolism was observed. A negative trend of calcium metabolism was frequently found, both in cases with and without radiographic signs of osteoporosis. This was revealed by an increase of the urinary calcium, both spontaneously and after a calcium tolerance test. However, an opposite metabolic condition was found in 3 cases. A rapid change of the calcium metabolism, consisting of a marked decrease of both spontaneous and induced calciuria to values below the normal range, together with a normalisation of the hormonal picture was always recorded after the surgical treatment. A normal or positive calcium metabolism was found in the 2 cases of adrenogenital syndrome. The relationship between the metabolic and hormonal picture is thoroughly discussed.