Value of the 30 min ACTH-test in assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical function after pituitary surgery in Cushing's disease.

Adrenocortical responses to a 30 min ACTH-test were measured before pituitary surgery and 8-12 d, 2-3 months and 6 months after, in 13 patients with Cushing's disease. The decrease in adrenocortical response to the short ACTH-test performed 8-12 d postoperatively correlated with the outcome as assessed 6 months after surgery. Adrenocortical response to ACTH became subnormal or borderline 8-12 d after surgery in patients demonstrating postoperative HPA insufficiency. These results add further support to the value of the short ACTH-test in assessing integrated HPA function in various clinical situations.