Cushing's syndrome – Cushing's disease – Giperkorticizm

Cushing’s Syndrome (Cushing’s Disease; Hypercortisolism)

What is Cushing's syndrome?

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder. The hormone cortisol in normal doses, helps the body manage stress and infection. However, an increase in cortisol levels for a long period of time can cause some health problems.

Cushing's syndrome – causes

Cushing's syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to the hormone cortisol in the body. Prolonged or excessive exposure may cause cortisol:

• Long-term use of corticosteroid hormones, such as cortisone or prednisone;
• Excess cortisol:
  • Tumor or abnormality of the adrenal glands;
  • Tumor or abnormality of the pituitary gland. In the case of a tumor of the pituitary gland disorder called Cushing's disease;
  • Lung Tumors, Thyroid, kidney, pancreatic or thymic – rarely are the cause of the disorder.

Risk factors for Cushing's syndrome

Factors, which increase the risk of Cushing's syndrome include obesity with poorly controlled diabetes 2 type and high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome

Symptoms may include:

• The increase in weight of the upper body;
• Rounding body shapes;
• High blood pressure;
• Severe fatigue and muscle weakness;
• Diabetes;
• The appearance of small bruises, the skin becomes thinner;
• The appearance of purple stretch marks;
• Excess hair growth or acne in women;
• Menstrual irregularities, especially rare or absent menstrual periods;
• Decreased libido;
• Personality changes or mood swings;
• Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety or psychosis.

Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests can be conducted, to determine the level of cortisol and find the cause of the disease.

Tests for cortisol may include:

• The urine test, collected during a 24-hour, on cortisol;
• Determining the level of cortisol in saliva / blood late in the evening;
• Suppression test with reception 1 mg dexamethasone overnight.

Tests to determine the cause of Cushing's syndrome may include:

• Analysis of blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH);
• Suppression test with reception 1 mg dexamethasone overnight;
• Rarely, stimulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone.

Other tests are appointed, to determine the presence of a tumor of the pituitary or adrenal glands. To take pictures can be used:

• MRT;
• CT scan;
• Chest X-ray.

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on its cause. Methods of treatment of Cushing's syndrome include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor;
• Surgical removal of part, all or both adrenal glands;
• Radiation therapy for the treatment of some persistent tumors;
• Gradual withdrawal of cortisone from the body under medical supervision;
• Medication, that decrease cortisol production or block the functioning of the adrenal glands.

Prevention of Cushing's syndrome

Talk to your doctor, to identify, how to reduce the use of corticosteroid drugs to a minimum.