Cushings Disease Flashcards
What is cushings syndrome?
When there is too much cortisol in the body.
What is the common cause of Cushings disease?
The commonest cause of spontaneous Cushing’s (around 70%) is a
small benign tumour (growth) of the pituitary gland. This produces the hormone called ACTH, (adrenocorticotrophic hormone), which goes through the blood stream to the adrenal glands and causes them to release too much cortisol.
What are the signs of cushings syndrome ?
What medication might make you suspect a diagnosis of cushings?
STEROIDS
If suspected, what can you measure the amount of cortisol in ?
urine
blood
saliva
If these tests show a high level of cortisol, referred to a specialist in hormone conditions (endocrinologist) to confirm or rule out Cushing’s syndrome.
Imaging tests.CT or MRI scans of the pituitary and adrenal glands to r/o tumors