July - September 2020, Volume 16, Issue 3

Ozgen Saydam B, Adiyaman SC, Demir L, Yener S

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Immunoassay Interference in a Patient with Subclinical Hypercortisolism

Acta Endo (Buc) 2020, 16 (3): 379-382
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2020.379

Context. Immunoassays are vulnerable to occasional analytical errors despite their sensitivity and specificity. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is among hormones which are vulnerable to assay interference. Objective. In this case report, we aimed to present a case of ACTH interference in a patient with subclinical hypercortisolism. Case report. We present a case of subclinical hypercortisolism with unexpectedly elevated levels of ACTH in whom interference was shown by different biochemical methods. It is important for the clinician to keep in mind the possibility of interference when clinical and laboratory results are discordant. The communication between the clinician and laboratory staff is important while interpreting results. This case report shows that ACTH interference should be considered in patients with subclinical hypercortisolism who have unexpectedly high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Keywords: Adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH interference, subclinical hypercortisolism.

Correspondence: Basak Ozgen Saydam MD, Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Inciralti Izmir, 35340, Turkey, E-mail: basakozgen@gmail.com