Name of the Procedure

Metyrapone Panel
Technical terms: Cortisol (82533 x 2), 11-Deoxycortisol (82634 x 2)

Summary

A Metyrapone Panel is a medical test that measures the levels of cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol in your blood. It helps assess how well your adrenal glands are working by determining your body's response to metyrapone, a medication that affects cortisol production.

Purpose

The Metyrapone Panel is used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency or other disorders of the adrenal gland. The test aims to evaluate how well your adrenal glands respond to metyrapone by measuring cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol levels, providing insight into potential adrenal dysfunction.

Indications

This test is particularly indicated for individuals showing signs of adrenal insufficiency, such as:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood pressure
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

Patients with suspected Cushing's syndrome or other adrenal gland disorders may also require this test.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a specific number of hours before the test.
• Medications that could affect adrenal function or cortisol levels may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued under medical guidance.
• Blood samples may be collected at specific times pre- and post-metyrapone administration.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-Test Preparation: The patient may be asked to fast and avoid certain medications.
2. Baseline Blood Draw: An initial blood sample is taken to measure baseline cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol levels.
3. Metyrapone Administration: The patient is given metyrapone, usually orally.
4. Post-Metyrapone Blood Draws: Follow-up blood samples are taken at specified intervals to measure changes in cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol levels.

Tools: Needles, syringes, blood collection tubes, metyrapone medication. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required.

Duration

The entire process, including baseline measurement, metyrapone administration, and follow-up blood draws, may take several hours up to a full day.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient clinic, a hospital, or a specialized diagnostic center.

Personnel

• A phlebotomist or nurse (for blood draws)
• A physician or endocrinologist (for interpreting results)
• Pharmacist (for metyrapone administration guidance)

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor pain, bruising, or bleeding at the blood draw site.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reaction to metyrapone, inaccurate results due to pre-existing conditions or medications.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of adrenal dysfunction.
• Improved understanding of adrenal gland function.
• Targeted treatment strategies based on test results. Benefits may be realized immediately upon result interpretation by a healthcare provider.

Recovery

• Post-procedure, patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Specific instructions will be provided based on individual health status.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• ACTH Stimulation Test: Measures adrenal response to synthetic ACTH.
• Cortisol Blood Test: Measures baseline cortisol levels without stimulation.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• ACTH Stimulation Test: More direct assessment of adrenal response but may be less comprehensive.
• Cortisol Blood Test: Simpler but may not provide as detailed information on adrenal function.

Patient Experience

During the blood draw, you might feel a slight pinch or discomfort. Follow-up blood draws may be slightly inconvenient but necessary for accurate results. Most patients do not experience significant pain or side effects from metyrapone. Any discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.