Cushing's
Syndrome Information Page
Synonym:
Hypercortisolism
Table of Contents
What is Cushing's Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Cushing's Syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome, also called hypercortisolism, is a
rare endocrine disorder caused by chronic exposure of the body's
tissues to excess levels of cortisol - a hormone naturally produced
by the adrenal gland. Exposure to too much cortisol can occur from
long-term use of synthetic glucocorticoid hormones to treat
inflammatory illnesses. Pituitary adenomas (benign tumors of the
pituitary gland) that secrete increased amounts of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic
hormone, a substance that controls the release of cortisol) can
also spur overproduction of cortisol. Tumors of the adrenal gland
and ectopic ACTH syndrome (a condition in which ACTH is produced by
various types of potentially malignant tumors that occur in
different parts of the body) can cause similar problems with
cortisol balance. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include
upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood
pressure, backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and
bluish-red stretch marks on the skin. In women, there may be
increased growth of facial and body hair, and menstrual periods may
become irregular or stop completely. Neurological symptoms include
difficulties with memory and neuromuscular disorders.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment of Cushing's
syndrome depends on the cause of excess cortisol. If the cause is
long-term use of a medication being used to treat another disorder,
the physician may reduce the dosage until symptoms are under
control. Surgery or radiotherapy may be used to treat pituitary
adenomas. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a
combination of these may be used to treat ectopic ACTH syndrome. The
aim of surgical treatment is to cure hypercortisolism by removing
the tumor while minimizing the chance of endocrine deficiency or
long-term dependence on medications.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for those with Cushing's syndrome varies depending on the cause of the disease.
Most cases of Cushing's syndrome can be cured. Many individuals with
Cushing's syndrome show significant improvement with treatment,
although some may find recovery complicated by various aspects of
the causative illness. Some kinds of tumors may recur.
What research is being done?
NINDS supports research on
Cushing's syndrome aimed at finding new ways to diagnose, treat, and
cure the disorder.
Organizations
Cushing's Support and Research
Foundation
65 East India Row
Suite 22B
Boston, MA
02110-3389
cushinfo@csrf.net
http://csrf.net/
Tel:
617-723-3674
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
National Institutes of
Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 9A06 MSC
2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
Tel:
301-496-3583
National Organization for Rare Disorders
(NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel:
203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax:
203-798-2291
Pituitary Network Association
P.O.
Box 1958
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
rnr@pituitary.org
http://www.pituitary.org/
Tel:
805-499-9973
Fax:
805-480-0633
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information
purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or
an official position of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the
treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained
through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient
or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
Last updated December 03, 2004
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