Diagnosing Cushing's disease in the context of chronic kidney disease: a case report and literature review

European Journal of Endocrinology
Anna StroudAnn McCormack

Abstract

The diagnosis of Cushing's disease (CD) is particularly challenging in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis associated with the latter. This case report presents discrepant biochemical findings in a patient with CKD who was subsequently diagnosed with CD, and outlines principles which may guide the definitive diagnosis of CD in this context. The case of a patient with Stage 4 CKD who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary-dependent CD is presented. A literature review was conducted to identify similar cases and characterise features of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in CKD. The patient discussed herein presented with markedly elevated plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) due to a pituitary macroadenoma, with normal 24-h urine free cortisol (24-UFC) but abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression testing and elevated midnight salivary cortisol. He experienced biochemical remission after undergoing transsphenoidal adenomectomy. A literature review revealed that CKD can be associated with elevated serum cortisol, reduced UFC and elevated plasma ACTH. Only four other cases of CD being diagnosed in a patient with CKD have been publis...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 30, 2021·British Journal of Hospital Medicine·Ahmed HanafyRobert D Murray
Mar 21, 2021·Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity·Liann Abu Salman, Debbie L Cohen

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