An approach to the evaluation and treatment of Cushing's disease.
Cushing's syndrome is an uncommon disorder involving dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in endogenous hypercortisolemia. It has multiple causes, but most commonly is due to hypersecretion of corticotropin from the pituitary gland, called Cushing's disease. The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome remains a challenge to clinicians because routine hormonal assays can have significant overlap in pathological and normal states. We will review an approach to evaluating patients with suspected cortisol excess. We will also discuss treatment options and post-surgical assessment for those diagnosed with Cushing's disease.
Brown
Rebecca L
RL
University of Chicago, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Mail Code 3090, Chicago, IL 60637 USA. rbrown3@medicine.brd.uchicago.edu
Weiss
Roy E
RE
D000818:Animals; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D047748:Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome