Category Archives: Doctor’s Answers

Pseudo-Cushing’s

Doctor's Answers | Oct 10, 2013 | Diagnosis

Question: What is pseudo-Cushing’s? Answer: Pseudo-Cushing’s refers to individuals who have biochemical abnormalities or physical manifestations which are similar to Cushing’s syndrome; abnormal production rates of cortisol and abnormal feedback inhibition by glucocorticoids like dexamethasone are also present. There are several common causes of pseudo-Cushing’s. One that has been clearly described occurs in patients with… Continue Reading

Pseudo-Cushing’s and Antidepressants

Doctor's Answers | Oct 10, 2013 | Diagnosis

Question: I have been told that I either have Pseudo-Cushing’s or a form of Cushing’s that has not been detected by standard tests. It has been suggested that I take antidepressants for a while, specifically one of the serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Why should I do this? Answer: First, antidepressant therapy usually works for both the… Continue Reading

Petrosal Sinus Sampling Test and Sedation

Doctor's Answers | Oct 10, 2013 | Diagnosis

Question: I had Cushing’s due to a pituitary tumor. Because my MRI was negative, I had a petrosal sinus sampling test. I was not sedated. Is it usual to do this procedure without sedation? If so, why? Answer: This study is performed with the person awake, as it is not necessary to give general anesthesia… Continue Reading

Petrosal Sinus Sampling Test and Pain

Doctor's Answers | Oct 10, 2013 | Diagnosis

Question: I had a petrosal sinus sampling test and during the procedure, I had sharp ear pain in both ears. How common is it to have pain during a petrosl sinus sampling test? If it’s fairly common, can pain medication be given before the start of the procedure? Answer: Temporary ear pain may occur during… Continue Reading

Overnight Dexamethasone Test While Taking Female Hormones

Doctor's Answers | Oct 10, 2013 | Diagnosis

Question: Can women on female hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills obtain meaningful results from an overnight dexamethasone suppression test? Answer: It is well accepted that high levels of female hormones cause changes in the blood that can create a falsely high cortisol measurement. In cases of true hormone replacement therapy, the levels of… Continue Reading