dexamethasone suppression test


dex·a·meth·a·sone sup·pres·sion test

a test for the detection and diagnosis of Cushing syndrome; following administration of 1.0 mg of dexamethasone at 11 p.m., normal people suppress plasma cortisol to low levels; patients with Cushing syndrome do not. Higher dose regimens distinguish between Cushing syndrome due to tumor and due to hyperplasia.

dexamethasone suppression test

Endocrinology A clinical test that measures the ability of dexamethasone to suppress ACTH and cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland. See Cushing's disease.