Cushing Syndrome (Are You At Risk?)

Cushing syndrome is an elusive disease until its late stages. The disease is caused by an excess of cortisol or other corticosteroids in the body. Although the syndrome can be caused by a small tumor in the pituitary gland or hyperactivity of the pituitary gland without a tumor, a disease known as Cushing Disease, this is not the most frequent cause of Cushing Syndrome. The most common cause is medication overuse or drug-drug interaction that produces the syndrome. Early Cushing Syndrome is frequently not manifest and can be confused with other diseases that cause weight gain. Because of the large number of corticosteroids prescribed by clinicians, its incidence may be higher than reported. Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, most often lung tumors, can also cause Cushing Syndrome, but these are often accompanied by other symptoms not seen in pure Cushing Syndrome. What are the symptoms of Cushing Syndrome? Weight gain and obesity, for the most part. But patients with Cushing Syndrome have a “cushingoid appearance,” with central obesity, muscle wasting in the extremities, and facial plethora. Many patients have early Cushing Syndrome because of medications they are taking, but they are unaware because the early presentation of Cushing Syndrome is so non-specific. Both clinicians and patients need to be aware of the threat pose posed by Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome, since many of the medications that can cause debilitating Cushing Syndrome are sold over the counter as well.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Theme
00:42 Patient History
01:44 Symptoms
02:49 What is Cushing Syndrome?
04:02 Cushing Disease
04:16 Most Common Cause
05:19 Conclusion

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