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Ectopic ADH secretion

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, incidence, and risk factors:

The most common cause of ectopic ADH secretion is cancer.

References:

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

Review Date: 4/26/2007
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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