AN OVERNIGHT HIGH-DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST FOR RAPID DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHINGS-SYNDROME

We have developed a high-dose dexamethasone suppression test that can be administered overnight with a single 8-mg dose and used the new procedure in the differential diagnosis of 83 patients with Cushing''s syndrome. In 76 patients with surgically or pathologically proven cause.sbd.60 with Cushing''s disease, 7 with the ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone syndrome, and 9 with adrenal tumors.sbd.suppression of plasma cortisol levels to less than 50% of baseline indicated a diagnosis of Cushing''s disease. The test had a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 100%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 93%. These values equal or exceed those of the standard 2-day test whether based on suppression of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids or plasma cortisol. We conclude that this overnight, high-dose dexamethasone suppression test is practical and reliable in the differential diagnosis of Cushing''s syndrome.