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.
Prolonged or excess exposure to cortisol as a result of:
Factors that increase your risk of Cushing's syndrome include:
Although symptoms may vary, common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
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:
Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause.
Treatments include:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/
Cushing's Support and Research Foundation
http://www.CSRF.net/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
Arnaldi G, Angeli A, Atkinson AB, Bertagna X, et al. Diagnosis and complications of Cushing’s syndrome: a consensus statement. J Clin Endocrinolo Metabo . 2003;88:5593-5602.
Cushing's Syndrome and Cushing's Disease. Am Fam Physician . 2000;62(5):1133.
Cushing's Syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm . Accessed October 7, 2005.
Diez JJ and Iglesias P: Pharmacological therapy of Cusing’s syndrome: drugs and indications. Mini Rev Med Chem 2007;7:467-80.
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
Makras P, Toloumis G, Papadoglas D et al: the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of endogenous Cusing’s syndrome. Hormones 2006;5:231-50.
Yaneva M, Mosnier-Pudar H, Dugue MA, Grabar S, Fulla Y, Bertagna X. Midnight salivary cortisol for the initial diagnosis of Cusing’s syndrome of various causes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2004;89:3345-3351.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeW¹itt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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