Cushing's syndrome appears in case of an increase in the level of glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex. This disease is most often found in women. The most common cause of the disease is the increased pituitary gland production of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which affects the activity of the adrenal cortex and leads to an increase in hormone levels. Often, the intensive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone is provoked by a pituitary tumor, and in some cases by a tumor of other organs. The disease can develop when taking large doses of steroid drugs containing cortisone, or drugs that contain ACTH (often used to reduce immune activity during organ transplants).
Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms
General health and gender affect the symptoms of this disease. Common symptoms of this disease are:
- fast weight gain. Increased body fat on the face and especially in the upper back;
- striae (stretch marks) on the abdomen, chest, arms and hips;
- the appearance of bruising, thinning of the skin;
- poorly healing wounds;
- prolonged healing process after acute infectious diseases;
- weakness, fatigue;
- anxiety, insomnia;
- excessive emotionality;
- headache;
- decreased memory and mental abilities;
- in women - a delay in the menstrual cycle;
- glucose intolerance, which leads to diabetes;
- hypertension.
Cushing's Syndrome: Diagnosis
A preliminary diagnosis can be made on the basis of signs characteristic of the disease. For a reliable diagnosis, more thorough studies are needed, with the help of which the causes of Cushing's syndrome will be identified. For this, it is necessary to conduct a urinalysis and determine the level of cortisone. Further, the study involves testing the patient using a dexamethanosone test, in which the patient ingests 2 g. dexamethasone, and after 9 hours, the plasma cortisone level is measured.
To determine the causes that could have caused Cushing's syndrome, the level of ACTH is measured. So, an elevated level of the hormone may indicate adrenal dysfunction, and a very high one - about pituitary disorders.
Cushing's Syndrome: Treatment
The most common and effective treatment for this syndrome is selective transsphenoid adenomectomy. If the studies managed to find out the exact location of the pituitary tumor, a neurosurgical intervention is performed. This method cannot be used if the patient has an extremely severe form of the disease or has somatic pathologies.
Another method of treatment is the destruction of the adrenal glands. Through the introduction of sclerosing drugs, it is possible to get rid of a hyperplastic substance. The procedure is carried out using ultrasound and computed tomography methods.
There is also a method of treating Cushing's syndrome, as proton therapy. This method is used if there are no reliable methods about the pituitary tumor. It is also possible to treat this pathology with a medication. In this case, funds are used that inhibit the production of ACTH. Symptomatic therapy is also aimed at treating neurosis, diabetes, osteoporosis. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used. Cushing's syndrome involves taking sedatives , bisphosphonates, vitamins, and other medications. The disease responds well enough to treatment and with the beginning of therapy the symptoms gradually disappear.