Cushing's syndrome

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(Redirected from Hypercortisolism)

Other Names: Cushing syndrome; Hypercortisolism; Nodular primary adrenocortical dysplasia; Adrenal cortex adenoma; Adrenal hyperfunction resulting from pituitary acth excess; Ectopic ACTH syndrome; Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome; Hyperadrenocorticism

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Cushing's syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of stress harmone cortisol (a harmone produced by the adrenal gland).

It most commonly affects adults between age 20 and 50 years.

Signs and symptoms [edit | edit source]

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome

The signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome may include:

Increased hair and stria in a person with medication-induced Cushing's syndrome[1]

Women with Cushing's syndrome may also experience increased growth of facial and body hair, and menstrual periods may become irregular or cease. Men may have decreased fertility, diminished sexual desire, and/or erectile dysfunction.

cause[edit | edit source]

Cushing's syndrome  is caused by long-term exposure of the body's tissues to cortisol,a harmone that is naturally produced by the adrenal gland. Exposure to too much cortisol can result from long-term use of corticosteriod medications used to treat inflammatory illnesses. Pituitary adenomas ( of the pituitary gland) or tumors of the adrenal gland may also cause cortisol imbalances.

Inheritance[edit | edit source]

Most cases of Cushing's syndrome are not inherited . However, Cushing's syndrome rarely occurs in inherited conditions characterized by the development of tumors of one or more endocrine gland. These conditions may include:

  • Primary pigmented micronodular adrenal disease, in which children or young adults develop small cortisol-producing tumors of the adrenal glands,

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The first step is to check the medications a person takes. The second step is to measure levels of cortisol in the urine, saliva or in the blood after taking dexamethasone. If this test is abnormal, the cortisol may be measured late at night.[2] If the cortisol remains high, a blood test for ACTH may be done.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Most cases can be treated and cured. If caused by a tumor, it may be treated by a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Some, in whom surgery is unable to remove the entire tumor, have an increased risk of death.

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Mifepristone (Brand name: Korlym)Korlym is approved for use in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome who have type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance and are not candidates for surgery or have not responded to prior surgery. Pasireotide (Brand name: Signifor)approved for the treatment of patients with Cushing’s disease for whom pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative. Also, December 2014, approved for the treatment of patients with acromegaly who have had an inadequate response to surgery and/or for whom surgery is not an option.

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This template is no longer used; please see Template:Endocrine pathology for a suitable replacement

Cushing's syndrome Resources

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NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Cushing's syndrome is a rare disease.


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