Cushings Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What is the main cause of Cushing syndrome?
A
excess production of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary
2
Q
What are causes of Cushing syndrome
A
- excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone production from the pituitary
- adrenal cancer
- non pituitary cancers such as small cell lung cancer
- excessive glucocorticoid use
3
Q
What does ACTH do in the body?
A
Stimulates the production of cortisol from the adrenal gland
4
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of cushings syndrome?
A
- Obesity, protuberant belly
- moon face
- Buffalo hump (fat pad between the shoulders)
- emotional issues (depression, anxiety, irritability)
- acne
- purple striae
- hypertension
- osteoporosis
- weakness
- polyurea
5
Q
What lab results will you find in a patient with Cushing syndrome?
A
- Hyperglycemia
- glycosuria (glucose in urine)
- hypokalemia
- Leukocytosis
- elevated serum and free urinary cortisol
6
Q
What tests are done to diagnose Cushing syndrome?
A
- Dexamethasone suppression test (DST)
- urine free cortisol (UFC)
7
Q
What medications are used to treat severe Cushing syndrome
A
- Ketoconazole
- Metyrapone
- Mitotane
8
Q
Where is Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) produced?
A
Anterior Pituitary
