]]>

Definition

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder. It is caused by prolonged exposure to the hormone cortisol.

Hormones are chemicals in the body. Cortisol is a common hormone. In normal doses it helps the body manage stress and infection.

Causes

Prolonged or excess exposure to cortisol as a result of:

  • Long-term use of corticosteroid hormones such as cortisone or prednisone
  • Tumor or abnormality of the adrenal gland, which causes the body to produce excess cortisol
  • Tumor or abnormality of the pituitary gland, which causes the body to produce excess cortisol (in the case of a pituitary tumor]]> it is called Cushing's disease)
  • Rarely, tumors of the lungs, thyroid, kidney, pancreas, or thymus gland produce hormones that trigger the syndrome

Pituitary and Adrenal Glands

Nucleus factsheet image
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

]]>

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of Cushing's syndrome include:

  • Chronic use of corticosteroid medicines
  • Age: 20-50 years
  • Sex: female (much more common in women)

Symptoms

Although symptoms may vary, common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are:

  • Weight gain of the upper body and trunk
  • Face shaped like a moon
  • Skin changes:
    • Darkening of the skin
    • Purple stretch marks
    • Easy bruising
  • Excess hair growth or acne in women
  • Menstrual disorders, especially infrequent or absent periods]]>
  • Diminished fertility and libido
  • ]]>High blood pressure]]>
  • Water retention or swelling
  • High blood sugar or ]]>diabetes]]>
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Personality changes or mood swings
  • Muscle weakness
  • ]]>Osteoporosis]]> or brittle bones
  • Skeletal growth retardation in children
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Psychosis
  • Low back pain

]]>

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests for Cortisol Levels

  • 24-hour urinary free cortisol level—urine is collected for 24 hours and tested
  • Late-Evening cortisol saliva/blood level—saliva or blood is collected around 11pm and tested
  • Dexamethasone suppression test—a synthetic cortisl called dexamethasone]]> is taken by mouth; blood and urine samples may be taken overnight or over several days

Tests to Determine Cause of Cushing's Syndrome

  • CRH stimulation test
  • ACTH level
  • High-dose dexamethasone suppression test

X-rays and Scans

These tests may show whether there is a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands or another area of the body. Common imaging tools include:

  • ]]>MRI scan]]> —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
  • ]]>CT scan]]> —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
  • ]]>Chest x-ray]]> —which may detect tumors in the lungs

Treatment

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause.

Treatments include:

  • Surgical removal of tumor
  • Surgical removal of part, all, or both adrenal glands
  • Radiation for some persistent tumors
  • Gradual withdrawal of cortisone-type drugs (under close medical supervision)
  • Drugs that decrease cortisol production or block the functioning of other adrenal products

Prevention

Work with your doctor to keep use of corticosteroid drugs to a minimum.