[Significance of the method of selective blood collection from the inferior petrosal sinuses for differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent hypercorticism].

This review paper was designed to discuss the accumulated worldwide experience with selective collection of blood from the inferior petrose sinuses for the purpose of differential diagnostics of ACTH-dependent hypercorticism. The history of the development of the method is described, principal indications and contraindications to its clinical application are considered with reference to the informative value of this diagnostic tool. Possible causes of false positive and false negative results as well as complications ever reported as associated with the diagnostic procedure are discussed. Much attention is given to the comparative analysis of advantages and disadvantages of alternative techniques for blood collection and to the use of pharmaceutical agents that may increase efficiency of the method under consideration.