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: c 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 tumours. (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
