“Blood test shows Low Deoxycorticosterone?”
A recent blood test shows a low level of Deoxycorticosterone. My CBC and Metabolic panel blood tests are normal. My cortisol tests normal (mid to upper range of normal). Aldosterone tests on the low end (between 2-5 with a reference range of <=28) My main symptom is fatigue.
My questions are:
What can cause a low level of Deoxycorticosterone?
Does this warrant getting any adrenal MRI/CT imaging done? Any other specific tests?
If so, do I see an endocrinologist or nephrologist for this? Any specific recommendations?
My questions are:
What can cause a low level of Deoxycorticosterone?
Does this warrant getting any adrenal MRI/CT imaging done? Any other specific tests?
If so, do I see an endocrinologist or nephrologist for this? Any specific recommendations?
Male | 40 years old
Complaint duration: 5 years
2 Answers
Deoxycorticosterone is a precursor in adrenal steroid metabolism, which leads to production of aldosterone which are in normal range in you. This reaction may be blocked by specific enzyme deficiencies, however, normal cortisol and aldosterone do not support that diagnosis. Excess male hormone can occur with adrenal enzyme defects. I don’t think fatigue is part of this clinal entity and I would not do any further evaluation if vital signs and physical exam are normal. Depending on clinical picture I would probably repeat the aldosterone, cortisol and androgens (male hormones) in six months. Further study would be by endocrinologist.
Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE
Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE
Low deoxycorticosterone by itself, with normal aldosterone and cortisol, and no symptoms other than fatigue, probably has no significance. The real question is, why was it ordered? It is usually ordered to see if it is high. Ask your doctor what he or she was looking for.
