MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ectopic ADH secretion

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Ectopic ADH secretion

Contents of this page:
Definition Causes	Symptoms References

Definition

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a substance produced naturally by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. The hormone controls the amount of water your body eliminates.

Ectopic ADH secretion is the release of ADH from an abnormal location within the body. Ectopic means "out of place."

Causes

The most common cause of ectopic ADH secretion is cancer.

See also:

Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH)
ADH test

Symptoms

The abnormal release of ADH makes it harder for the body to remove water. Fluid builds-up in the body. Low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) can occur.

References

Lin M, Liu SJ, Lim, IT. Disorders of Water Imbalance. Emerg Med Clin North Am - 2005 Aug; 23(3); 749-770.

Update Date: 4/26/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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