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What are the diagnostic tests for Addison's disease?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am positive for 21 hydroxylase antibodies and was wondering if this is enough evidence to prove Addison's illness. I am currently taking Viibryd 20 mg and had a vein puncture test recently.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Positive 21-hydroxylase antibody titers are both sensitive (about 90 %) and specific (>99 %) for autoimmune adrenalitis. Positive antibodies to 21-hydroxylase confirm an autoimmune adrenal insufficiency etiology. Additionally, blood calcium, phosphorus, fasting glucose, free thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are tested to rule out concomitant autoimmune hypoparathyroidism, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. If hypocalcemia is discovered, the amount of serum parathyroid hormone should be determined. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol levels must also be measured. Then an abdominal CT (computed tomography) is required to detect adrenal gland hypertrophy. These are the basic tests required to diagnose autoimmune adrenal insufficiency.

Answered byDr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At January 4, 2024
Reviewed AtJanuary 4, 2024

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