This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

Disease: Cushing’s Syndrome

• Breakdown:
  • Cushing’s: Refers to Dr. Harvey Cushing, the neurosurgeon who first described the condition.
  • Syndrome: A group of symptoms that occur together.

Symptoms:

Cushing’s Syndrome arises from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Symptoms can vary widely but often include:

• Physical: Weight gain (especially in the face, abdomen, and upper back), muscle weakness, easy bruising, thin skin, stretch marks, slow wound healing, acne, increased body hair growth, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, osteoporosis.
• Psychological: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, insomnia.

Causes:

• Pituitary Tumors: The most common cause, these tumors produce excess ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol.
• Adrenal Tumors: These tumors directly overproduce cortisol.
• Medications: Long-term use of high-dose corticosteroids (like prednisone) for conditions like asthma or autoimmune diseases.

Treatment:

Treatment focuses on reducing cortisol levels and addressing the underlying cause:

• Medications:
  • Medications to block cortisol production (e.g., ketoconazole, metyrapone)
  • Medications to suppress ACTH production (e.g., pasireotide)
• Surgery:
  • Removal of pituitary tumors (transsphenoidal surgery)
  • Removal of adrenal tumors (adrenalectomy)
• Radiation Therapy: To shrink pituitary tumors.

Prognosis:

With appropriate treatment, many people with Cushing’s Syndrome can experience significant improvement in their symptoms. However, long-term complications may occur, such as:

• Osteoporosis: Increased risk of fractures
• Diabetes: Due to elevated blood sugar levels
• Cardiovascular problems: High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease