6. Cushing's syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
Uncommon
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
3 times more common in women
Tumours most common in young women
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Long-term steroid use
Cortisol-producing pituitary / adrenal / ectopic tumours
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Taking steroids
T2DM
Female sex
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Truncal obesity, thin extremities Red, puffy face Easily bruising Low libido Fertility problems Depression / mood swings
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Buffalo hump
Moon face
Large purple stretch marks
High bp
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
PCOS
Metabolic syndrome
Obesity
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
Dexamethasone suppression test
24hr urinary free-cortisol
CT, MRI
9
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Surgical removal or tumour
Change glucocorticoid for alternative
10
Q
What complications are there?
A
MI and stroke Hypertension Blood clots Hypercholesterolaemia Insulin resistance
