Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Plasma ACTH precursor levels to diagnose pituitary
By Benchekroun, G et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2012·Internal Medicine Unit, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Plasma ACTH precursors in cats with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) had their blood tested for specific hormone precursors to help diagnose the condition. In this study, 9 cats with PDH showed high levels of these precursors, while cats without PDH had much lower levels. The results suggest that measuring these hormone precursors could be a useful tool for veterinarians in diagnosing PDH in cats. This could lead to better treatment options for affected cats.
People also search for: cat Cushing's disease symptoms · cat pituitary gland problems · diagnosing hyperadrenocorticism in cats
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) in cats is challenging because there is no specific diagnostic test. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: The determination of plasma ACTH precursor (POMC and pro-ACTH) concentration might facilitate the diagnosis of PDH in cats. The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively the plasma concentrations of ACTH precursors in a small cohort of cats with PDH and to estimate the value of this approach for diagnosis. ANIMALS: Four groups of cats were included: group 1 (cats with PDH), group 2 (cats with diabetes mellitus but not hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)), group 3 (cats with diabetes mellitus and confirmed acromegaly but not HAC), and group 4 (healthy cats). METHODS: PDH diagnosis was based on clinical data, low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST), and adrenal and pituitary gland computed tomography (CT) scan. For groups 2, 3, and 4, hyperadrenocorticism was excluded by LDDST or urine cortisol:creatinine ratio (UCCR). An immunoluminometric assay was used to determine plasma concentrations of ACTH precursors in the 4 groups of cats. RESULTS: Group 1 contained 9 cats (enlarged pituitary gland in 7/9). Plasma ACTH precursor concentrations ranged from <53 to >1010 pmol/L with 8/9 concentrations ≥ 229 pmol/L. Groups 2, 3, and 4 included 13, 7, and 13 cats, respectively. Plasma ACTH precursor concentrations ranged from <53 to 96 pmol/L in group 2, <53 to 72 pmol/L in group 3, and <53 to 99 pmol/L in group 4. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: High plasma concentration of ACTH precursors in cats (>100 pmol/L) is highly suggestive of PDH.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22490046/