Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Corticorelin Injection
• Technical Term: Injection, corticorelin ovine triflutate, 1 microgram (HCPCS Code J0795)

Summary

A corticorelin injection is a medical procedure where a small dose of corticorelin ovine triflutate is administered to a patient. This substance stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, which helps evaluate the function of the patient's adrenal and pituitary glands.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Diagnostic evaluation of the adrenal and pituitary gland functions.
• Goals: To assess if the adrenal glands are producing the correct amount of cortisol in response to ACTH.
• Expected Outcomes: Accurate diagnosis of conditions like Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Unexplained weight gain, abnormal cortisol levels, fatigue, and suspected endocrine disorders.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals exhibiting symptoms of cortisol imbalance or suspected adrenal/pituitary dysfunction.

Preparation

• Instructions: Patients may need to fast for a specific period before the procedure. Certain medications may need to be paused.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests to measure baseline cortisol levels prior to the injection.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and a healthcare provider cleans the injection site.
2. A small dose (1 microgram) of corticorelin ovine triflutate is injected subcutaneously or intravenously.
3. Blood samples are taken at various intervals post-injection to measure ACTH and cortisol levels.
   • Tools Used: Syringe, needles, antiseptic wipes.
   • Anesthesia Details: Generally, no anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The injection itself takes a few minutes, but the entire evaluation period, including blood samples, can last several hours.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: A doctor (usually an endocrinologist), a nurse, and possibly a laboratory technician.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Swelling or redness at the injection site, mild pain.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reaction to the medication, infection at the injection site.
• Management: Any adverse effects will be monitored and managed by medical staff immediately.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Precise diagnosis of adrenal or pituitary gland issues.
• Timeline: Diagnostic results are generally available within a few hours to a couple of days.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Minimal care required; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Recovery Time: Immediate.
• Restrictions/Follow-ups: Follow-up appointment may be needed to discuss test results.

Alternatives

• Other Options: ACTH stimulation test, imaging studies (MRI, CT scans).
• Pros and Cons: Other tests might be less invasive but potentially less specific. Imaging can identify structural abnormalities but may not assess hormone function directly.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Minimal discomfort from the injection; some blood draws.
• After Procedure: Patients can typically expect no significant side effects, with instructions on how to manage minor pain or swelling at the injection site if it occurs.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief can be used if necessary, but is rarely required.