17-hydroxycorticosteroids

Alternative names:

17-OHCS

Normal values:

male: 4.5 to 10 mg/24 hr
female: 2.5 to 10 mg/24 hr

Note: mg/24 hr = milligrams per 24-hours

What abnormal results mean:

Elevated levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:

• acromegaly
• Cushing's syndrome caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia or tumor
• Cushing's syndrome caused by pituitary tumor
• ectopic ACTH-producing tumor
• severe physical or emotional stress

Elevated levels may also exist with:

• obesity
• pregnancy
• severe hypertension
• hydrocortisone therapy
• thyrotoxicosis

Lower than normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:

• adrenal hemorrhage
• adrenal insufficiency (suppressed from steroid therapy)
• Addison's disease
• adrenal infarction
• hereditary enzyme deficiency
• hypopituitarism
• surgical removal of the adrenal gland
• hypothyroidism