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Cortisol-to-ACTH Ratio May Help Diagnose Cushing’s Disease: Study

Measuring the ratio of cortisol to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) could help diagnose Cushing’s disease and other forms of Cushing’s syndrome, according to a recent study. “We think that it is possible to diagnose and screening [ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome] when CAR [cortisol-to-ACTH ratio] is elevated, and screening CD [Cushing’s disease]…

Long-term Recorlev Found Safe, Effective for Endogenous Cushing’s

Long-term treatment with Recorlev (levoketoconazole) safely leads to sustained reductions in cortisol levels, disease signs and symptoms, and improvements in quality of life in adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, according to nearly two years of data from the Phase 3 SONICS trial. Treatment benefits were generally maintained or deepened…

‘Mini Pituitary Tumors’ May Help Personalized Medicine, Study Says

“Mini pituitary tumors” derived from patients, including those with Cushing’s disease, mimic several features of the individual’s tumor, including response to treatments, a study shows. These pituitary tumor-like organoids can serve as models for studies of the underlying molecular mechanisms of Cushing’s disease and to screen for the most…

Pneumocystis Pneumonia Tied to High Mortality in Cushing’s

Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious infectious complication of Cushing’s syndrome, is associated with a high mortality rate, researchers in France report. The onset of infection tends to occur shortly after beginning therapy to reduce cortisol levels, and is more frequent in patients with cancer-related Cushing’s and/or high levels of cortisol.

ACTH-producing Lung Tumor Cause of Ectopic Cushing’s in Woman, 71

A 71-year-old woman with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome saw her clinical symptoms ease after undergoing surgery to remove several nodules from her left lung. One nodule removed was a carcinoid tumor producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), while another was due to a lung infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus. Her infection was associated with immunodeficiency…

High Zinc Triggers Signs of Cushing’s in Postmenopausal Mice

High levels of dietary zinc induced signs of Cushing’s syndrome in a postmenopausal mouse model, a study suggested. Weight gain, obesity, and diabetes were also seen in postmenopausal mice fed a high-zinc diet. Tests in postmenopausal women were consistent with these findings, with higher blood zinc levels correlating with…