New Imaging Modalities in the Evaluation of Patients With Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome
Between 10 percent and 20 percent of patients with hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) have
ectopic production of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) that causes cortisol excess. In
approximately 50 percent of these patients, the source of ACTH cannot be found despite very
detailed and extensive examination including imaging studies such as computed tomography
scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, and octreotide scan using the conventional low dose of
indium-111 pentetreotide ([(111)In-DTPA-D-Phe]-pentetreotide). The sensitivity and
specificity of these imaging studies depends on anatomic alterations and/or the dose and
adequate uptake of radiopharmaceutical. In contrast, positron emission tomography (PET) has
the ability to detect pathologic tissue based on physiologic and biochemical processes
within the abnormal tissue. This protocol tests whether [18F]-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine
(18F-DOPA) or use of a higher dose of [111In-DTPA-D-Phe]-pentetreotide can be used to
localize successfully the source of ectopic ACTH production. In addition the study examines
whether administration of the glucocorticoid antagonist mifepristone can improved the
sensitivity of the standard dose [111 In-DTPA-D-Phe] pentetreotide. Patients participating
in this arm of the study will have a second standard dose scan rather than a higher dose
scan.
Observational
N/A
Lynnette K Nieman, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
United States: Federal Government
990055
NCT00001849
February 1999
Name | Location |
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike | Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |