多数柯兴综合征患者 ACTH 分泌增加,后者常来自垂体,或偶可来自异位肿瘤,其余患者则由分泌氢化可的松的肾上腺肿瘤所引起。柯兴综合征确诊后,用复杂的生化试验常可鉴别病因,但也须作放射学检查(包括胸部 X 线和垂体窝检查),肾上腺同位素扫描、支气管镜检查,全肺断层摄影和选择性静脉采血测定 ACTH 和氢化可的 ACTH secretion is increased in most Cushing’s syndrome patients, the latter often from the pituitary gland, or occasionally from ectopic tumors, while the rest are caused by adrenal tumors that secrete hydrocortisone. After Cushing’s syndrome is diagnosed, complicated biochemical tests can often be used to identify the cause, but radiological examinations (including chest X-ray and pituitary fossa examinations), adrenal isotope scans, bronchoscopy, Pulmonary tomography, and electives are also required. Venous blood sampling for determination of ACTH and hydrogenation