FRACTIONNEMENT ET MESURE DES 17-CETOSTEROIDES URINAIRES NEUTRES AU COURS DE LA MALADIE DE CUSHING

Abstract

The excretion of 17-ketosteroids is increased in Cushing''s disease (caused by bilateral hyperplasia of the adrenals) and so is the ratio ll-oxy-17-ketosteroids/ll-desoxy-17-ketosteroids. The rates of 11-keto- and 11[beta]-hydroxyetiocholanolone are high; so are often those of 11[beta]-hydroxy-androsterone and etiocholanolone. Androsterone rarely increases. DHA is usually normal (its percentage being thus lowered), but in 1 out of 3 cases it is increased. Corticotropin significantly increases the rate of 17-ketosteroids but apparently does not alter their relative values. The ratio 17-ketosteroids/17-hydroxysteroids is much lower than in normal subjects after the administration of corticotropin as well as before. The consequences of these findings are discussed from a physiopathological point of view and in reference to diagnosis.