Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome (pronounced: /ˈkʊʃɪŋz ˈsɪndroʊm/) is a disorder that occurs when your body has a high level of the hormone cortisol for a long period of time. The condition is also known as hypercortisolism.

Etymology

The syndrome is named after Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon who first described the condition in 1932.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can include weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and mood swings. In women, the syndrome can also cause increased hair growth and irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Causes

Cushing's syndrome is most commonly caused by taking too much glucocorticoid medicines, such as prednisone, for a long time. Other causes can include a tumor in the pituitary gland (known as Cushing's disease), a tumor in the adrenal gland, or a tumor elsewhere in the body that produces ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome can be complex and may involve blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan. In some cases, a dexamethasone suppression test may be used.

Treatment

Treatment for Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause. It may involve reducing the dose of glucocorticoid medicines, surgery to remove a tumor, radiation therapy, or medication to control the production of cortisol.

Related terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Cushing's syndrome
Wikipedia's article - Cushing's syndrome

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Cushing's syndrome