Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's Syndrome Causes
This disorder often arises from other diseases that results to the abnormally highly levels of cortisol in the body that creates a number of health complications. However, majority of the Cushing's Syndrome is caused by the use of steroid medications.
Cushing's Syndrome Definition
Cushing's Syndrome is also known by other medical terms such as hyperadrenocorticism and hypercortisolism, which is characterized as an endocrine disorder that is primarily caused by the high levels of cortisol in the patient's blood. There are a number of underlying causes and medical conditions that triggers Cushing's Syndrome such as ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone, adrenal hyperplasia, and iatrogenic or use of steroid. This disease is also quite common among dogs and horses, often characterized as the deposition of fat in the body.
Cushing's Syndrome Diagnosis
Upon suspicion of Cushing's, a dexamethasone suppression or a 24-hour urinary measurement for cortisol level is conducted since both offer equal detection rates. Scintigraphy. CT scan and MRI are also done.
Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome include raid weight gain, obesity, sweating, thinning of the skin, proximal muscle weakness as well as hirsutism. Other signs include fat pads that grow along the patient's collar bones as well as in the nape. High cortisol level would also result to reduced libido and impotence.
Cushing's Syndrome Treatment
Surgery is the primary treatment for Cushing's Syndrome, which is typically done to remove the adrenal adenoma. While this disorder may be caused by steroids, it is important to remember than this medication should not be stopped abruptly.