The dexamethasone‐suppressed corticotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test and the desmopressin test to distinguish Cushing's syndrome from pseudo‐Cushing's states

Abstract

Neither of the two tests guarantees absolute diagnostic accuracy. The specificity of dexamethasone + CRH is less brilliant than previously reported and appears to be inferior to desmopressin stimulation. The greatest diagnostic effectiveness results from the low-dose dexamethasone test combined with the desmopressin test. Skilful use of dynamic testing and balanced clinical judgement are necessary to distinguish between Cushing's syndrome and pseudo-Cushing's.