Cushing's disease

Question 1

What is Cushing’s syndrome caused by?

Answer 1

Caused by excessive glucocorticosteroid levels in the blood

Question 2

Reasons for Cushing’s syndrome?

Answer 2

• tumour in pituitary gland leading to increased secretion of ACTH.
• tumour in adrenal gland
• prolonged treatment with cortiocosteroids

Question 3

What are some of the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 3

• osteoperosis
• hypertension
• muscle wasting in extremities
• poor wound healing
• moon face
• dark facial hair (women)
• obesity
• abdominal stiae
• amenorrhea (women)

Question 4

What is the treatment for Cushing’s syndrome if it caused by a tumour?

Answer 4

Treatment may include surgery or radiotherapy. Drug called metyrapone which can be used under specialist supervision as it reduces the production of cortisol in the adrenal gland.

Question 5

What is the treatment for Cushing’s syndrome if it is caused by taking corticosteroids?

Answer 5

Patient’s steroid dose will be gradually reduced or stopped