Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cushing syndrome (CS) is the result of extended exposure to excessive glucocorticoids from endogenous or exogenous sources. Traditionally, the most common cause of endogenous CS is a pituitary adenoma (Cushing disease). Less common causes are adrenocortical tumors and extrapituitary adrenocorticotropin-producing neoplasias.
OBJECTIVES
This review provides updated information regarding the potential for increased prevalence of CS in specific patient populations. Here the authors provide to family physicians clinical guidance for recognition of CS by presenting a case, discussing the advantages/disadvantages of the diagnostic tests, and discussing information about the treatment options.
RESULTS
CS is expected to have an incidence of 10 to 15 people per million; however, studies of patients with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and osteoporosis found a high prevalence of CS among these populations. The clinical manifestations of CS range from the distinctive clinical features (purple striae, facial plethora, proximal myopathy) to common conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Clinical practice guidelines recommend biochemical tests to screen patients for CS; however, the sensitivity and specificity of these tests vary, so a careful analysis must be performed to avoid misdiagnosis.
CONCLUSION
CS is challenging to diagnose. Nevertheless, with a systematic approach to testing patients and an increased awareness of the high-risk patient populations, the disease can be identified in a timely manner.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Guaraldi F, Salvatori R

Institution

Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

Source

Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM 25:2 pg 199-208

MeSH

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
Comorbidity
Cross-Sectional Studies
Cushing Syndrome
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Mass Screening
Middle Aged

Pub Type(s)

Case Reports
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22403201