Symptoms of Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome is the result of prolonged excessive secretion of cortisol and perhaps other steroids by the adrenal cortex.

Most cases are caused by bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, which arises through excessive secretion of adrenocorticotrophin by a pituitary tumor. Cushing’s syndrome may also due to an adenoma or a carcinoma of the adrenal.

The most common signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are centripetal obesity, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, impotence, hypertension, proximal weakness, red to purple striae, acne, and easy bruisability.

Fatty deposits, especially in the midsection, the face (causing a round, moon-shaped face), and between the shoulders and the upper back (causing a buffalo hump). Purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen and thighs. Growth arrest and obesity are characteristic of children.

Some evidence suggests that mixed anxiety and depressive symptoms may be the most common psychiatric manifestation of Cushing’s syndrome. Other common symptoms include impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome