Role of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease in a patient with double superior vena cava

J Radiol Case Rep. 2015 Aug 31;9(8):24-32. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v9i8.2531. eCollection 2015 Aug.

Abstract

Cushing's syndrome is known to have a wide spectrum of clinical presentation with debilitating consequences and morbidity if not diagnosed and treated in time. Sometimes the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome can be challenging to the endocrinologist, especially when the usual battery of biochemical tests and advanced cross-sectional imaging is negative or inconclusive. We described a case in which the use of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) was conclusive albeit being technically challenging (due to a rare incidental finding of double superior vena cava) and invasive in nature.

Keywords: BIPSS; Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling; Cushing’s disease; Double superior vena cava; Inferior petrosal sinus; Pituitary gland; Pituitary microadenoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology
  • Cushing Syndrome / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Petrosal Sinus Sampling* / adverse effects
  • Petrosal Sinus Sampling* / methods
  • Phlebography
  • Vena Cava, Superior / abnormalities*
  • Vena Cava, Superior / diagnostic imaging