Understanding negative feedback: Changes in high-molecular-weight adrenocorticotropic hormone in adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing's syndrome.

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by chronic glucocorticoid oversecretion and diverse clinical manifestations. Distinguishing between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent and ACTH-dependent forms is crucial for determining treatment options. Plasma ACTH levels aid in the differential diagnosis, with undetectable or low levels suggesting ACTH-independent hypercortisolemia.