Relapse was associated with; higher cortisol response to CRH pre-TSS, lack of histological confirmation of adenoma at surgery, normal serum cortisol and ACTH (as opposed to subnormal values) post-TSS and the need for glucocorticoid replacement for less than 6 months after surgery, ie a rapid recovery of the HPA axis (10). The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is adenoma.