Cushing's syndrome: problems in diagnosis. Medicine (Baltimore) 1981 Jan;60(1):25-35
Date
01/01/1981Pubmed ID
7453563DOI
10.1097/00005792-198101000-00003Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0019378117 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 87 CitationsAbstract
Cushing's syndrome, an unusual group of disorders characterized by hypercortisolism, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of such common clinical problems as hirsutism, menstrual irregularity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Its distinct forms--pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome (Cushing's disease), adrenal tumor and ectopic ACTH syndrome--must be identified correctly so that specific therapy can be administered. In the majority of cases, use of a relatively simple diagnostic sequence will provide accurate and rapid diagnosis. However, in our experience with more than 60 patients, diagnostic difficulties may arise from a variety of conditions (e.g., drug interference, alcohol ingestion, and depression). In addition, unusual circumstances, such as unexpected responses to dexamethasone, may complicate the diagnosis. Our approach to these problems is illustrated through a report of seven cases, and we emphasize that the proper management of Cushing's syndrome mandates a thorough marshalling of all the available data.
Author List
Aron DC, Tyrrell JB, Fitzgerald PA, Findling JW, Forsham PHAuthor
James W. Findling MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
ACTH Syndrome, EctopicAdenoma
Adrenal Cortex Function Tests
Adrenocortical Hyperfunction
Adult
Alcoholism
Bipolar Disorder
Cushing Syndrome
Dexamethasone
Diagnosis, Differential
Estrogens
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Male
Middle Aged
Obesity
Phenytoin
Pituitary Neoplasms
Spironolactone
