Cushing syndrome

CUSHING SYNDROME:

The term ‘Cushing syndrome’ describes any form of glucocorticoid excess.

‘Cushing disease’ is used for hypercortisolism caused by pituitary overproduction of ACTH.

The physical features of Cushing syndrome, some as seen in the spotter, result from chronic hypercortisolism and include:
Weight gain, growth arrest (earliest symptoms),central obesity, moon facies, buffalo hump fat distribution, facial flushing, striae, easy bruising, acne, hirsutism, hypertension, muscle weakness, psychological disturbances, osteopenia, etc.

The most common cause of Cushing syndrome is exogenous Cushing syndrome resulting from intended or inadvertent long-term, high dose exogenous glucocorticoid use.

In adults and children above 7 years, the most common cause of endogenous Cushing syndrome is true Cushing disease.

In infants and children under 7 years, adrenal tumors are predominant causes.