Cushing's Disease

Cushing's Disease is a condition where the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocortitropic hormone (ADCH). This excessive production is caused by a tumor or growth. ATCH stimulates the production and the release of corticol, which is released in the body when it is exposed to stress. Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure, decreases the body's immune system inflammatory response, balances insulin, and regulates carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The body is then exposed to corisol for too long which may cause the symptoms. Another reason that the body may be exposed to cortisol for an excessive amount of time is for people that may be taking glucocorticoids, which is a steroid hormone. It is most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 50. People who are obese with type II diabetes are at high risk for this disease.

Symptoms of Cushing's Disease is upper obesity and thin arms and legs, collection of fat between the shoulders, thinning of bone density, round and red face, slow growth rate in children, weak muscles, excessive fatigue, mental changes, acne or skin infection, purple marks on the abdomen, thigh, and breasts, thin skin that may bruise easily, bone pain or tenderness, increase in thirst and urination, and increased blood pressure.

Cushing's disease is easiest seen with MRI. Other tests that help to diagnose this disease are a 24 hour urinary free cortisol level, LDDST, and a CRH test.

Cushing's disease can be treated several ways. Surgery is the most common. It consists of removing the tumor and may be put on a medication that replaces the cortisol production. Radiation and other medications are also alternative modes of treatment.

National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service (n.d.) Cushing's disease. Retrieved from http://niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm 

Public Med Health (Nov, 2009) Cushing's disease. Retrieved from http://ncbi.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001388