Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most common cause of hypercortisolism?
What is the most common cause of hypercortisolism?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of Cushing's syndrome?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of Cushing's syndrome?
What is the primary mechanism for endogenous Cushing's syndrome?
What is the primary mechanism for endogenous Cushing's syndrome?
Which of the following diagnostic tests is used to screen for Cushing's syndrome?
Which of the following diagnostic tests is used to screen for Cushing's syndrome?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a recommended treatment for exogenous Cushing's syndrome?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended treatment for exogenous Cushing's syndrome?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common symptom of endogenous Cushing's syndrome?
Which of the following is a common symptom of endogenous Cushing's syndrome?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these is a risk factor for developing Cushing's syndrome?
Which of these is a risk factor for developing Cushing's syndrome?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most common underlying cause of secondary Cushing's syndrome?
What is the most common underlying cause of secondary Cushing's syndrome?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Cushing Syndrome (Hypercortisolism)
Etiology
- Exogenous hypercortisolism: most commonly caused by prolonged glucocorticoid therapy
- Endogenous hypercortisolism: classified into two categories
- Primary: ACTH-independent, often caused by adrenal adenomas
- Secondary: pituitary ACTH production or ectopic ACTH production, often caused by pituitary adenomas or small cell lung cancer
Diagnosis
- Screening test: 24-hour urine cortisol test
- Determine underlying cause: hormone analysis (e.g., serum ACTH levels) and imaging to localize tumor
Treatment
- Exogenous Cushing syndrome: reduce glucocorticoid dosage or consider alternative treatments
- Endogenous causes: tumor resection or drugs to suppress cortisol synthesis if inoperable
Symptoms
- Facial erythema: redness of the face
- Hypertrichosis/hirsutism: excessive hair growth
- Dorsocervical fat pad: fat pad located at the back of the neck
- Acne: breakouts on the skin
- Hypertension: high blood pressure
- Skin atrophy/thinning: thinning of the skin
- Striae: stretch marks on the skin
- Osteoporosis, osteopenia, avascular necrosis of the femoral head: bone loss and thinning
- Muscle atrophy/myopathy: muscle weakness
- Growth delay (children): slower growth rate in children
- Insomnia, mood disorders, psychosis, decreased libido: sleep problems, mood changes, and low sex drive
- Cataract, glaucoma: eye problems
- Moon facies: round, full face
- Peptic ulcers: sores in the stomach or intestines
- Hyperglycemia (may progress to diabetes): high blood sugar
- Central (truncal) obesity: fat deposition in the abdomen
- Hyperpigmentation (if secondary): darkening of the skin
- Virilization, irregular menstrual cycles, amenorrhea: male-like characteristics in women, irregular periods, and absence of periods
- Purpura/ecchymoses: bruising under the skin
- Poor wound healing, immunosuppression: difficulty healing and weakened immune system
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the etiology and diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by excess cortisol. Understand the difference between exogenous and endogenous causes and how to diagnose the condition.
