Synonyms: Corticotropin; Cosyntropin

 

Why It Is Done

ACTH levels in the blood are measured to help detect, diagnose, and monitor conditions associated with excessive or deficient cortisol in the body. These conditions include:

• Cushing disease: excess cortisol that is due to an ACTH-producing tumor in the pituitary gland (usually a benign tumor)
• Cushing syndrome: refers to the symptoms and signs associated with excess cortisol. In addition to Cushing disease, Cushing syndrome may be due to an adrenal tumor, adrenal hyperplasia, the use of steroid medications, or due to an ACTH-producing tumor located outside the pituitary (ectopic), such as in the lungs.
• Addison disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency: decreased cortisol production due to adrenal gland damage
• Secondary adrenal insufficiency: decreased cortisol production because of pituitary dysfunction
• Hypopituitarism: pituitary dysfunction or damage that leads to decreased (or no) hormone production by the pituitary, including ACTH production