Concept and Etiology: Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder
caused by irregular cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is sometimes
called the “stress hormone” because it helps your body respond to
stress. Cortisol also helps
maintain blood pressure
regulate blood glucose
reduce inflammation
turn the food you eat into energy
The adrenal glands, two small glands on top of your kidneys, make
cortisol (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, 2019). Cushing’s deviates from the definition of health as
the hormones are not regular, causing illness in the body. Sometimes
Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by taking glucocorticoid
medications.
Classification: Cushing’s syndrome is classified as
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent or ACTH-
independent. ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome accounts for
80%–85% of cases. ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome
accounts for 15%–20% of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome in adults;
90% are unilateral adrenal tumors. (Feelders et al., 2015)
Clinical Manifestations: Cushing’s sometimes maybe hard to detect
as some patients may not have symptoms. However, those who have
symptoms usually have
Irregular periods
Facial hair (in women)
Erectile dysfunction (in men)
Weight gain
Round and fatty lump between shoulders
Weak muscles and easy bruising.
Diagnostic Tests: Testing for Cushing’s are:
24-hour Urine
Petrosal sinus sampling0test that can help determine if the
cause is pituitary, samples are taken from the pituitary gland
(petrosal sinuses)
CT or MRI scans of the patient’s pituitary and adrenal glands
Saliva test
References
Feelders, R., Sharma, S., & Nieman, L. (2015). Cushing’s syndrome:
epidemiology and developments in disease management. Clinical
Epidemiology, 281. https://doi.org/10.2147/clep.s44336
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
(2019, March 15). Cushing’s Syndrome | NIDDK. National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; US Department of
Health & Human Services. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-
information/endocrine-diseases/cushings-syndrome
