抗内因性ACTH抗体により低ACTH血症を呈したと考えられる本態性高血圧の1例

Abstract

We report a patient who had a low plasma ACTH level without any symptoms. A 43-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation of adrenal enlargement. Endocrinological data on admission revealed that plasma ACTH level was below the assay detection limit (< 4.0 pg/ml). Daily profiles of plasma cortisol level, dexamethasone suppressing test, and pituitary function tests were within normal limits. However, plasma ACTH level was increased to the normal range after the adding of polyethylene glycol to the plasma. These data suggest that low plasma ACTH level was induced by the anti-intrinsic ACTH antibody. In an asymptomatic case with low plasma ACTH level, attention shovld be paid to the presence of anti-intrinsic ACTH antibody.