Cushing's syndrome describes the effects of prolonged exposure to excessive glucocorticoids, especially cortisol. Recognizing its characteristic pattern matters because the condition can affect many body systems and may be treatable.
Cushing's syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms caused by sustained exposure to glucocorticoids. The excess may come from medication or from the body's own hormone production. The term describes the overall syndrome; Cushing's disease is a particular cause involving excess ACTH from a pituitary tumor.
All flashcards
What is Cushing's syndrome?
A collection of signs and symptoms caused by prolonged exposure to excessive glucocorticoids, especially cortisol.
What is central obesity in Cushing's syndrome?
Weight gain concentrated around the trunk and face, sometimes occurring while the arms and legs remain relatively thin.
What are striae?
Red or purple stretch marks that can form when weight gain stretches skin weakened by excess glucocorticoid exposure.
What does proximal muscle weakness mean?
Weakness affecting muscles close to the body's center, commonly around the hips and shoulders.
When can hyperpigmentation accompany Cushing's syndrome?
It can occur in ACTH-excess states because ACTH and related POMC-derived peptides may stimulate skin pigmentation.
Quiz questions
What specifically causes Cushing's disease?Answer: A pituitary corticotroph adenoma that secretes ACTH.
What is the most common overall cause of Cushing's syndrome?Answer: Exposure to glucocorticoid medication.
What does late-night salivary cortisol testing assess?Answer: Whether cortisol remains high when it would normally be low.
In a person with confirmed excess cortisol, what can a low ACTH level suggest?Answer: Cortisol production relatively independent of pituitary ACTH, such as an adrenal source.
Why should long-term glucocorticoid medication not be stopped abruptly?Answer: It may have suppressed natural cortisol production, risking acute adrenal insufficiency.
Based on the Wikipedia article Cushing's syndrome, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.