Metyrapone Test
What do the test results mean?
When results of the metyrapone test are normal:
11-deoxycortisol, which is an enzyme that is made before cortisol, rises to more than 7 micrograms per deciliter of blood (mcg/dl)
cortisol is increased to less than 10 mcg/dl
the ACTH level rises higher than the level obtained from a baseline ACTH level.
Abnormal results may vary as follows:
No rise in the ACTH level may mean that the pituitary gland is not working normally. This is called hypopituitarism.
A great rise in 11-deoxycortisol is a sign of excessive tissue growth in the adrenal gland. Called adrenal hyperplasia, this condition causes the gland to enlarge.
No increase in 11-deoxycortisol may indicate:
Cushing's syndrome, which is a disorder caused by an overactive adrenal gland
adrenal adenoma, a tumor in the adrenal gland
cancer, in particular adrenal or lung cancer
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