Cushing Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare endocrinological disorder that occurs due to the excessive production of the stress hormone cortisol (also known as hypercortisolism) by adrenal glands for a prolonged time. Cortisol helps regulate the body's response to stress, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and immune system. Cushing's syndrome usually affects individuals aged between 30 and 50 years. However, it can rarely occur in children. Cushing's syndrome is three times more prevalent in women than men.
Mainly there are two types of Cushing's syndrome: exogenous and endogenous.
- Exogenous Cushing's syndrome is caused by the use of some medications which are similar to cortisol. Example: Glucocorticoids.
- Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is caused due to functional and/or structural abnormalities found within the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, leading to excessive or abnormal cortisol production.
Causes of Cushing's Syndrome
The most common causes of Cushing's syndrome include:
- Adrenal tumours
- Long-term high-dose usage of cortisol-mimicking medications like glucocorticoids for treating autoimmune disorders (Eg: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.) and organ transplant immune rejections.
- Pituitary tumours: Tumours in the pituitary gland release excessive amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulate the adrenal gland to produce more cortisol.
Less commonly, Cushing syndrome can be caused by other factors such as:
- Ectopic ACTH production: In rare cases, ACTH-producing tumours outside the pituitary gland, commonly in the lungs, thymus, and pancreas, can lead to excessive cortisol production.
- Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disorder (PPNAD): A rare genetic condition that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol.
- Familial Cushing syndrome: This is an inherited disorder that causes the development of tumours in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, leading to excess cortisol production.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can vary from person to person, depending on the underlying cause. The common symptoms include:
- Weight gain, especially in the upper body, neck, and face.
- Rounded or moon-shaped face due to fat deposits.
- Thin and fragile skin.
- Slow healing: Wounds and infections may take longer to heal.
- Acne: Excess cortisol production can lead to acne.
- High blood pressure: As cortisol helps regulate blood pressure, excessive cortisol production in Cushing's syndrome can cause high blood pressure.
- Mood swings: People with Cushing's syndrome may experience anxiety or depression.
- Fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Increased thirst and urination.
- Osteoporosis: Exposure to high cortisol levels for longer durations can lead to osteoporosis, making the bones brittle and weak.
- Hyperglycemia: Excess cortisol can increase blood sugar levels, leading to hyperglycemia.
It is very important to note that not all people suffering from Cushing's syndrome will experience all the symptoms mentioned above. In fact, some individuals with Cushing's syndrome may not experience any significant symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is complex and involves several steps, as the condition can be challenging to diagnose. The diagnostic process typically involves the following:
- Physical examination
Looking for signs of Cushing's syndrome, like weight gain, a rounded face, and thin skin that bruises easily.
- Medical history
To look for risk factors and potential underlying causes of Cushing's syndrome.
- Hormone testing
Blood and urine tests can measure cortisol levels and other hormones that are involved in the body's stress response.
- LDDST (Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test)
This test involves giving a low dose of dexamethasone, a synthetic cortisol-like medication, and then measuring cortisol levels in the blood or urine to see how the body responds. Normally, levels of cortisol in the blood decrease after administering dexamethasone. Cortisol levels that don't decrease suggest Cushing's syndrome.
- HDDST (High-dose dexamethasone suppression test)
This test is similar to that of the LDDST, except for administering higher doses of dexamethasone. If the cortisol levels in the blood drop after the administration of dexamethasone, it indicates the presence of a pituitary tumour. If cortisol levels don't drop, it indicates an ectopic tumour.
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test
This test involves injecting a hormone called CRH, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Then measure cortisol levels in the blood or urine to see how the body responds. CRH will increase the levels of ACTH and cortisol if the patient has pituitary tumours.
- Imaging tests
Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs , can be used to examine the adrenal glands or pituitary gland and look for any ectopic tumours.
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If the tests revealed that a person has high cortisol levels, further testing would be required to determine the underlying cause. This may involve additional imaging tests or referral to an endocrinologist
Treatment
The treatment for Cushing's syndrome depends on the underlying cause. Sometimes, treatment may not be necessary if the condition is mild and does not cause significant symptoms. However, if the condition is severe, treatment is necessary. Treatment options include the following:
- Surgery
If a tumour is causing Cushing's syndrome, the primary treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumour. The type of surgical procedure will depend on the location of the tumour. If multiple tumours are present on the adrenal gland, the gland may need to be removed. If the tumour is on the pituitary gland, a procedure called transsphenoidal surgery may be used to remove the tumour.
- Medications
If surgery is not an option or if the condition is caused by an overactive adrenal gland that cannot be removed, medications may be used to control cortisol production.
- Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be used to shrink a tumour that is causing Cushing's syndrome. This treatment is often used in combination with surgery and/or medication.
- Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise can help manage some of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, such as weight gain and high blood pressure.
Suppose the underlying cause of Cushing's syndrome is overusing glucocorticoids. In that case, the condition will be treated by gradually reducing the dose of glucocorticoids and shifting to non-glucocorticoid medications.
Individuals with Cushing's syndrome must work closely with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their circumstances.
Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most experienced team of endocrinologists providing various treatment options to our patients for a better outcome. Healthcare providers at Medicover hospitals use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat Cushing syndrome with utmost precision. We provide various diagnostic and treatment procedures using the most advanced technologies and world-class equipment, bringing out the best possible outcomes.
