Endocrinology Made Simple : Cushing” Syndrome Secondary to Adrenal Etiology:

Clinical Features:

These are same as clinical features of Cushing”s Syndrome

These include

Weight gain

Lethargy

Weakness

Proximal myopathy

Hypertension

Thin extremities as compared to trunk

Increased fat distribution in the trunk region

Round face also called Moon face

Thin skin with striae

“Buffalo hump”

Biochemical Features:

Significantly Increased Urinary Free Cortisol Levels

Non-suppressible High Dose Dexamethasone suppresion Test

Undetectable ACTH Levels

Radiological Investigations

These include Imaging of the adrenal glands by MRI or CT Scan

Difference with other forms of Cushing Syndrome

In pituitary dependent Cushings Disease,Plasma ACTH levels are normal or increased.

Patients with Ectopic ACTH syndrome have high plasma ACTH levels.