Pituitary Shendube Test

The Shendube pituitary test is a medical test that is used to diagnose diseases of the pituitary gland. This test is named after the German physician Friedrich Schendube, who first described it in 1892.

The pituitary gland is a gland located in the brain that controls many important functions in the body, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction and stress management. Diseases of the pituitary gland can lead to various problems, such as hypopituitarism, growth abnormalities, and some types of tumors.

The Shendube pituitary test is used to measure the level of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. The test is carried out in several stages. First, a venous catheter is inserted into the patient and baseline blood is drawn to measure hormone levels before the test is performed. The patient is then given an injection of a synthetic version of the hormone that is normally secreted by the pituitary gland. Blood samples are then taken at regular intervals to measure hormone levels.

Changes in hormone levels after administration of a synthetic hormone analog help determine whether the pituitary gland is working properly. If hormone levels change in the expected direction, this indicates that the pituitary gland is functioning normally. If hormone levels do not change or change incorrectly, this may indicate the presence of a pituitary gland disease.

Although the Shendube pituitary test can be useful in diagnosing pituitary diseases, it is not a comprehensive diagnostic procedure. Other methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging of the head, may also be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

In general, the Shendube pituitary test is an important tool for diagnosing pituitary diseases. It can determine whether the pituitary gland is working properly and can help doctors choose the most effective treatment for patients.