Cushing's syndrome - exogenous
Key points
- Exogenous Cushing's syndrome is a form of Cushing's syndrome caused by administration of glucocorticoid (also called corticosteroid) hormones, such as prednisone.
- Cushing's syndrome is named after the surgeon Harvey Cushing.
- The suggested treatment is slow withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy under medical supervision.
- The effects of adrenal atrophy caused by chronic drug administration should be reversible by withdrawing the drug.
Alternative names
Cushing's syndrome - corticosteroid induced; Corticosteroid-induced Cushing's syndrome; Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome
Definition
Exogenous Cushing's syndrome is a form of Cushing's syndrome caused by administration of glucocorticoid (also called corticosteroid) hormones, such as prednisone.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cushing's syndrome is named after the surgeon Harvey Cushing. It is a group of clinical signs and symptoms caused by a chronic excess of glucocorticoids, which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids affect many body functions and are essential for survival, but when the level of these hormones is too high, it can cause serious problems. The most important glucocorticoid is the stress hormone cortisol.
The pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, regulates cortisol production by secreting a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Exogenous (caused by something outside the body) Cushing's syndrome is caused by administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, for therapeutic purposes (for example, to treat asthma).
Endogenous (caused by something within the body) Cushing's syndrome may be caused by ACTH-producing tumors of the pituitary gland (a condition called Cushing's disease), malignant tumors of other organs that produce ACTH, and cortisol-producing tumors of one or both of the adrenal glands.
Symptoms
- Euphoria, unrelated to life situation
- Moon face (round, red and full)
- Buffalo hump (a collection of fat between the shoulders)
- Central obesity with protruding abdomen and thin extremities
- Weight gain
- Weakness
- Backache
- Headache
- Acne or superficial skin infections
- Purple striations on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
- Frequent and easy bruising
- Mental changes
- Impotence or cessation of menses
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Thirst
- Increased urination
Signs and tests
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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