Cushing Syndrome
From WikiGenetics
Contents |
[edit] Name of Condition
Cushing's Syndrome, hypercortisolism
[edit] Definition
Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol.
[edit] Description, Signs and Symptoms
Physical signs:
- upper body obesity
- a fatty hump between the shoulders
- round face
- relatively slender arms and legs
- fragile, thin skin that bruises easily and heals poorly
Other symptoms:
- severe fatigue
- weak muscles
- weakened bones
- high blood pressure
- high blood glucose
- increased thirst and urination
- irritability, anxiety, or depression
Symptoms found only in women:
- excess hair growth on face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs
- irregularity or complete stoppage of menstruation
Symptoms found only in men:
- decreased fertility
- lack of sexual desire
- erectile dysfunction
[edit] Inheritance
Most cases of Cushing’s syndrome are not inherited. Rarely, Cushing’s syndrome results from an inherited tendency to develop tumors of one or more endocrine glands.
[edit] Demographics
The incidence of Cushing's syndrome is 1-2 cases per million population.
It most commonly affects adults age 20-50.
People who suffer from:
- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- poorly controlled blood glucose (blood sugar)
- hypertension
have an increased risk of developing Cushing's syndrome.
[edit] Diagnosis
Usually several different lab tests are needed to diagnose Cushing's syndrome. The three most common tests used to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome are the 24-hour urinary free cortisol test, measurement of midnight plasma cortisol or late-night salivary cortisol, and the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Another test, the dexamethasone-corticotropin-releasing hormone test, may be needed to distinguish Cushing’s syndrome from other causes of excess cortisol.
[edit] Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the specific reason for excess cortisol and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or the use of cortisol-inhibiting drugs.
[edit] Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the cause of hypercortisolism.
[edit] Resources
http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm
