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Abstract

We report five cases of Cushing’s disease where the patients were given a therapeutic trial of cabergoline. Morning serum cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and sleeping cortisol concentrations were significantly raised. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed pituitary microadenomas in 3 patients but were normal in the others. Ectopic ACTH production was excluded in the 2 patients with normal MRI scans. All were given a therapeutic trial of cabergoline (1 mg daily). Four patients responded with a prompt fall in serum cortisol levels and  had a sustained clinical and biochemical remission for 378, 44, 28 and 14 days, respectively. One patient failed to respond. In conclusion, we suggest that all patients with Cushing’s disease should undergo a therapeutic trial of cabergoline. Responders can then be prepared for surgery or, if needed, treated medically in the long term. 


Keywords

Cushing’s disease Adrenocorticotrophic hormone Dopamine receptors Cabergoline Case report Oman.

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How to Cite
ElShafie, O., Osman, A., Aamer, F., Al-Mamari, A., & Woodhouse, N. (2012). Cushing’s Disease : Sustained remission in five cases induced by medical therapy with the dopamine agonist cabergoline. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 12(4), 493–497. Retrieved from https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/squmj/article/view/1728

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