Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Endocrine

Normal Reference Ranges

Adult

10 - 60 pg/mL

Pediatric

10 - 60 pg/mL

Clinical Significance

Produced by anterior pituitary. Used alongside cortisol to differentiate between primary and secondary causes of adrenal dysfunction.

Causes of High

  • Addison's disease
  • Cushing's disease (Pituitary adenoma)
  • Ectopic ACTH production (Small cell lung cancer)

Causes of Low

  • Adrenal adenoma/carcinoma (Cushing's syndrome)
  • Exogenous steroid use