Cushing's Syndrome Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Cushing's Syndrome Deck (5)
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1
Q

Causes of Cushing syndrome

A
  • Iatrogenic, excessive chronic corticosteroid medication

ACTH dependent:

  • Pituitary adenoma
  • Ectopic ACTH/CRH syndrome, lung scc
  • Hypothalamic CRH overproduction

ACTH indpendent:

  • Adrenal tumors
    • Adenoma
    • Carcinoma
  • Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
  • PPNAD
  • AIMAH
  • McCune Albright Syndrome
2
Q

Symptoms of cushing synd

A
  • Obesity
  • Moon face
  • Thin, easy bruising skin, purplish, striae, acne, hirsutism
  • polyglobulia
  • Proximal muscle weakness,
  • Proximal muscle weakness, muscle atrophy
  • osteoporosis, fractures (growth failure in children)
  • Hypokalemia, alkalosis
  • hypertension, diabetes mellitus,
  • lipid metabolism disorders
  • Menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea, infertility
  • Infektion-risk
  • depression
  • Hirsuitism
  • hypercholestrolemia
3
Q

Frequency of ACTH and cortisol secretory tumors by location

A

Pituitary ACTH tumors: inhibited by high dose dexamethosone 75%

Ectopic, scc. 10-15%

Primary Adrenocortical Cortisol secreting 15-20%

4
Q

What is a potential serious consequence of bilateral Adrenalectomy to treat cushing syndrome?

A

Nelson’s syndrome.

When the high level of cortisol is dropped to normal, the CRH releasing cells are strongly disinhibited, and release a ton of CRH. Can cause formation of an aggressive corticotropic adenoma in the pituitary.

5
Q
A