ACTH Stimulation Test: Results and Values (Cortrosyn Stimulation Test, Tests of Adrenal Reserve)

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Alternate Names : Cortrosyn Stimulation Test, Tests of Adrenal Reserve

In a healthy person, an injection of ACTH will stimulate the adrenal glands. An increase in cortisol results.

If cortisol levels do not rise after the injection of ACTH, the following conditions may be present:

acute adrenal crisis, which is a condition in which the adrenal glands suddenly stop working the way they should

Addison disease, which is caused by too low a level of ACTH in a damaged adrenal gland

Cushing syndrome, which is caused by having too high a level of ACTH

hypopituitarism, which is a decrease in activity of the pituitary gland

pituitary tumor, which is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland

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ACTH Stimulation Test: Preparation & Expectations

Author: David T. Moran, MD
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 09/20/01

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