Cushing's Syndrome Diagnosis and Testing

A condition characterized by excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands, leading to various symptoms like weight gain, muscle weakness, and hypertension.

A round, full face, often seen in individuals with Cushing's syndrome due to excessive cortisol levels.

A fat pad located over the back of the neck, often associated with Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol.

A condition characterized by a deposition of fat around the abdomen and trunk, creating a characteristic apple-shaped distribution, commonly seen in Cushing's syndrome.

Purple or reddish striae (stretch marks) appearing on the skin, often seen in Cushing's syndrome due to skin thinning and fragile collagen fibers caused by the increased levels of cortisol.

A condition characterized by bruising easily, often seen in Cushing's syndrome due to the thinning of the skin caused by the increased levels of cortisol.

An endocrine disorder caused by excessive production of hormones like cortisol, resulting in various symptoms.

An important step in diagnosing Cushing's syndrome, involving taking blood samples to measure cortisol levels.

A condition resulting from excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands.

A crucial step in diagnosing Cushing's syndrome. It involves taking blood samples to measure cortisol levels.

It helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome.

It is a hallmark of Cushing's syndrome, where the body loses its natural rhythm of cortisol production throughout the day.

It refers to the body's ability to adjust cortisol production based on feedback from other hormones.

Stretch marks, particularly those with a purple hue, can indicate excessive cortisol levels, often seen in Cushing's Syndrome.

A fat pad that accumulates on the back of the neck, its presence can be a sign of Cushing's Syndrome. This is commonly referred to as a "Buffalo Hump."

Excessive hair growth in unusual areas, such as the face and lower back, can be a sign of Cushing's Syndrome. This can be due to increased androgen levels in the body.

Acne, particularly on the face, chest, and back, can be a sign of Cushing's Syndrome. This is due to increased androgen levels in the body.

A round or moon-shaped face, usually with a reddish hue, that is often seen in patients with Cushing's Syndrome.

A cluster of metabolic conditions that increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is often linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either the body not producing enough insulin or not being able to use insulin properly.

The natural fluctuation of cortisol levels throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning and lower levels at night.

A test that measures cortisol levels in saliva collected at night, typically around 11 pm.

A condition where the body loses its normal pattern of cortisol fluctuations throughout the day, with higher levels at night.

A test that measures the amount of cortisol excreted in urine over a 24-hour period, indicating overall cortisol production.

A test assessing how the body's cortisol production responds to suppression by dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid.

Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid that substitutes for natural cortisol, suppressing ACTH release.

The Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test is used to assess the body's response to an artificially high level of cortisol.

Normal adrenal glands should shut down cortisol production when ACTH is suppressed. If cortisol production continues, it may indicate a problem with the adrenal glands.

The test measures cortisol levels at 8 am after the patient takes dexamethasone at 11pm.

A cortisol level above 50 nmol/L (1.8 mcg/dL) at 8 am indicates the test is positive. It means the cortisol levels are not suppressed and there might be an issue with cortisol regulation.

A positive dexamethasone suppression test reveals inappropriate cortisol secretion but doesn't tell the source of the problem - adrenal gland or pituitary.

Autonomous adrenal tissue or a cortisol-producing adenoma will continue to produce cortisol despite suppressed ACTH, leading to a positive test.

The body's natural rhythm of cortisol production throughout the day is lost in conditions like Cushing's syndrome.

A round, full face, characteristic of Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol, giving the face a moon-like appearance.

A fat pad that deposits on the back of the neck, often associated with Cushing's syndrome.

Excessive hair growth in unusual areas like the face and lower back, possibly associated with Cushing's syndrome due to increased androgens.

The natural fluctuation of cortisol levels throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning and lower levels at night.

A test that assesses how the body's cortisol production responds to suppression by dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid.

A condition characterized by a deposition of fat around the abdomen and trunk, creating a characteristic apple-shaped distribution often observed in Cushing's syndrome.

Easily bruising, often seen in Cushing's syndrome due to skin thinning caused by increased cortisol levels.

A collection of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, often associated with obesity and insulin resistance.

A chronic condition with high blood sugar levels due to the body not producing enough insulin or not being able to use insulin properly.

A symptom of Cushing's Syndrome characterized by a fat pad that accumulates on the back of the neck, often referred to as a "Buffalo Hump."

Stretch marks, often with a purple hue, that occur on the skin due to skin thinning and fragile collagen fibers caused by excessive cortisol.

A symptom of Cushing's Syndrome characterized by a round, full face with a reddish hue.

1. Excess cortisol secretion: The body produces too much cortisol, leading to various symptoms.
2. Loss of diurnal variation of cortisol secretion: The natural fluctuation of cortisol levels throughout the day is disrupted, causing imbalances in cortisol production.
3. Autonomy from "central" ACTH control: The normal feedback mechanism that regulates cortisol production fails, leading to unregulated cortisol release.

The late-night salivary cortisol test measures cortisol levels in saliva collected around 11 pm. This test helps determine if the normal drop in cortisol levels at night is occurring.

Exogenous dexamethasone substitutes for endogenous cortisol, suppressing ACTH release. Dexamethasone is more potent than cortisol and binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, inhibiting CRH and ACTH secretion.

The DST measures cortisol levels at 8 am after the patient takes dexamethasone at 11 pm. A cortisol level above 50 nmol/L (1.8 mcg/dL) indicates a positive test. The test reveals inappropriate cortisol secretion, but doesn't pinpoint the source – adrenal gland or pituitary.

Normally, the adrenal glands shut down cortisol production when ACTH is suppressed by dexamethasone. If cortisol production continues, it suggests an issue with the adrenal glands.

This condition indicates that the body's natural rhythm of cortisol production is disrupted. Instead of rising in the morning and falling at night, cortisol levels remain high throughout the day.