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Cushing’s Disease

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Pituitary Disease

Part of the book series: Endocrine Updates ((ENDO,volume 18))

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Abstract

Cushing’s syndrome occurs as a result of prolonged glucocorticoid excess (15). Regardless of its aetiology, it is a constellation of clinical and biochemical abnormalities which result from chronic excess of cortisol. While there are classical features of Cushing’s syndrome the diagnosis is increasingly being made earlier, before major complications have occurred. An early diagnosis is of advantage to patients as mortality from the untreated syndrome is high (see below). The classical appearance of plethoric facies, centripetal obesity, ecchymoses, fragile skin due to poor quality collagen, livid striae and hirsutism is still seen. However, in my experience it is by no means as frequent as previously observed as many cases are being diagnosed at an earlier and more subtle stage. Perhaps the commonest differential diagnosis is simple obesity, particularly in patients with glucose intolerance and/or hirsutism.

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  1. Metabolic Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital and Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

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Atkinson, A.B. (2002). Cushing’s Disease. In: Sheppard, M.C., Stewart, P.M. (eds) Pituitary Disease. Endocrine Updates, vol 18. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1115-1_7

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