Cushing

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Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome (/'kʊʃɪŋz/), also known as hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. The syndrome is named after Harvey Cushing, the American neurosurgeon who first described the condition in 1932.

Etymology

The term "Cushing's Syndrome" is derived from the name of Harvey Cushing, who was the first to identify the condition. The term "syndrome" comes from the Greek word "σύνδρομον" (syndromon), meaning "concurrence of symptoms," or "running together."

Symptoms

Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome can include rapid weight gain, particularly of the trunk and face with sparing of the limbs (central obesity), a round face often referred to as a "moon face," excess sweating, telangiectasia (dilation of capillaries), thinning of the skin (which can lead to easy bruising and dry, purple striae on the trunk, limbs, penis, vulva), poor wound healing, and mental health disorders.

Causes

Cushing's Syndrome is most commonly caused by taking glucocorticoid drugs, or diseases that result in excess cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or CRH levels. Cushing's Disease is a form of Cushing's Syndrome characterized by increased secretion of ACTH from the anterior pituitary (due to a pituitary adenoma).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome is based on a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Tests may include 24-hour urinary free cortisol level, late-night salivary cortisol level, and dexamethasone suppression test.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific reason for cortisol excess and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or the use of cortisol-inhibiting drugs.

External links

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