Symptoms & Signs
Most people with Cushing syndrome will have:
- Upper body obesity (above the waist) and thin arms and legs
- Round, red, full face (moon face)
- Slow growth rate in children
Skin changes that are often seen:
- Acne or skin infections
- Purple marks (1/2 inch or more wide) called striae on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
- Thin skin with easy bruising
Muscle and bone changes include:
- Backache, which occurs with routine activities
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Collection of fat between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
- Thinning of the bones, which leads to rib and spine fractures
- Weak muscles
Women with Cushing syndrome often have:
- Excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs
- Menstrual cycle becomes irregular or stops
Men may have:
- Decreased fertility
- Decreased or no desire for sex
- Impotence
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
- Mental changes, such as depression, anxiety, or changes in behavior
- Fatigue
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Increased thirst and urination
Diagnosis & Tests
Blood sugar and white blood cell counts may be high. Potassium level may be low.
Laboratory tests that may be done to diagnose Cushing syndrome and identify the cause are:
- Serum cortisol levels
- Salivary cortisol levels
- Dexamethasone suppression test
- 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine
- ACTH level
- ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test
Tests to determine the cause or complications may include:
- Abdominal CT
- ACTH test
- Pituitary MRI
- Bone density, as measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
High cholesterol, including high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may also be present.
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Cushing syndrome : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cushing syndrome : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cushing syndrome : Treatment
Review Date : 9/20/2008
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
