Hypercortisolism ,typically manifested as Cushing syndrome ,is caused by any condition that produces an elevation in glucocorticoid levels.
In clinical practice, the vast majority of cases of Cushing syndrome are the result of administration of exogenous glucocorticoids.The remaining cases are endogenous.
Signs and symptoms:
Signs and symptoms may include;
- Hypertension
- Weight gain
- Centripetal distribution of adipose tissue becomes permanent with resultant truncal obesity “moon facies”
- Buffalo hump
- Decreased muscle mass and proximal limb weakness
- Adrenal diabetes with hyperglycemia, glucosuria,polydipsia
- Skin is thin,fragile and easily bruised; cutaneous striae
- Osteoporosis
- Hirsutism
- Menstrual abnormalities
- Mental disturbances
- Hypercholestrolemia
