Cushing's Disease / Syndrome

Cushing's disease and syndrome result from chronically elevated cortisol levels. The disease develops from pituitary / ectopic ACTH production, while the syndrome develops from prolonged glucocorticoid (usually prednisone) intake.

Effects of Cushing's Disease include:

• Increased glycogenlysis leading to hyperglycemia.
• Increased gluconeogenesis leading to protein catabolism and muscle wasting.
• Increased vascular tone leading to hypertension.
• Increased potassium excretion leading to hypokalemia and muscle weakness.
• Osteoclast activation leading to osteoporosis.
• Suppressed inflammatory response leading to decreased tissue repair.
• Increased gastric acid production leading to GI distress and gastric ulcers.
• Body fat redistribution leading to increased truncal obesity.

These correlate with the Signs and symptoms of Cushing's Disease, which include:

• Hyperglycemia.
• Muscle-wasting.
• Hypertension.
• Muscle weakness.
• Osteoporosis.
• Gastric distress and gastric ulcers.
• Truncal obesity, "moon face".