In adrenal Cushing syndrome due to an adrenal tumor, what is the expected ACTH level?

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Multiple Choice

In adrenal Cushing syndrome due to an adrenal tumor, what is the expected ACTH level?

Explanation:
When cortisol is produced outside the pituitary by an adrenal tumor, the body’s feedback system reduces signaling to the pituitary to make more ACTH. The excess cortisol from the tumor suppresses ACTH release, so ACTH levels drop. This is why the expected ACTH level is decreased in adrenal Cushing syndrome. If ACTH were elevated, it would point to a source of cortisol excess that is ACTH-dependent, such as a pituitary adenoma or ectopic ACTH production.

When cortisol is produced outside the pituitary by an adrenal tumor, the body’s feedback system reduces signaling to the pituitary to make more ACTH. The excess cortisol from the tumor suppresses ACTH release, so ACTH levels drop. This is why the expected ACTH level is decreased in adrenal Cushing syndrome. If ACTH were elevated, it would point to a source of cortisol excess that is ACTH-dependent, such as a pituitary adenoma or ectopic ACTH production.

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