This type of Cushing syndrome is termed Cushing disease, and it is diagnosed just like other endocrine disorders (by measuring hormone production). When a pituitary tumor secretes too much ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), it causes the otherwise normal adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. overproduction can be caused by a tumor in the pituitary or within the adrenal glands themselves). Since cortisol production by the adrenal glands is normally under the control of the pituitary (a small endocrine gland located in the bran right behind your eye, and the nerves to the eyes. Conversely, obesity can be associated with some of these symptoms in the absence of an adrenal tumor this is related to the slightly different mechanism by which normally produced steroids are metabolized by individuals who are obese. This may be related to an adrenal tumor producing too much cortisol. However, slight overproduction of cortisol, what we call “subclinical hypercortisolism” or “subclinical Cushing syndrome” is very common.

Keep in mind that overt Cushing syndrome is rare, occurring in only about 10 patients per one million. It is now known that these symptoms characterize Cushing syndrome, which is the result of excess production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.Ĭortisol is a powerful steroid hormone, and excess cortisol has detrimental effects on many cells throughout the body. diabetes), hypertension (high blood pressure), excess hair growth, osteoporosis, kidney stones, menstrual irregularity, and emotional lability. In 1932, a physician named Harvey Cushing described 8 patients with central body obesity, glucose intolerance (i.e. When Cushing Syndrome is due to an adrenal tumor, surgery (often the Mini Back Scope Adrenalectomy MBSA), leads to cure of the disease. Cushing syndrome can also be called primary hypercortisolism, and over time cause many harmful signs and symptoms for the patient.

Cushing Syndrome: Primary HypercortisolismĬushing Syndrome is a disease due to excess of the adrenal hormone cortisol.

Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome Tumors).

Conn's Syndrome: Primary Hyperaldosteronism.

Hyper adrenaline syndrome