Guide To Endocrine System Diseases

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a disorder where the body produces too much cortisol over an extended duration. Cortisol is a hormone that plays an important role in blood pressure maintenance, blood sugar regulation, the rate of energy metabolism, and the stress response. Cushing's syndrome is most commonly caused by the long-term use of high doses of a medication called glucocorticoids. Lupus, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis are often treated with this type of medication. Individuals who have had an organ transplant of any kind may also use this medication to prevent the rejection of their donor organ. Certain types of tumors in an individual's body can cause them to produce an excessive amount of cortisol, such as pituitary tumors, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, and adrenal tumors. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, thin arms and legs, increased fat around neck base, easy bruising, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, weak muscles, a fatty hump between the shoulders, and a round face. A diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is made with the use of the ACTH test, CRH stimulation test, HDDST, CT scans, petrosal sinus sampling, and MRI scans.

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