Cushing's Disease/Syndrome

Question 1

what is Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 1

excessive adrenocortical activity or corticosteroid medications

Question 2

what is Cushing’s Disease the result of

Answer 2

a tumor in the pituitary gland, resulting in excessive release of ACTH

Question 3

what is Cushing’s syndrome a result of

Answer 3

long-term use of glucocorticoids

Question 4

Cushing’s syndrome clinical manifestations

Answer 4

-hypertension
-buffalo hump
-hyperglycemia
-hypokalemia
-moon face
-sodium retention
-impaired wound healing
-increased susceptibility to infections
-osteoporosis
-spontaneous fracture

Question 5

diagnostics

Answer 5

-serum cortisol
-urinary cortisol (24 hr urine)
-low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
-CT & MRI

Question 6

treatment

Answer 6

-hypophysectomy
-adrenalectomy

Question 7

things to watch out for after surgery

Answer 7

-adrenal insufficiency symptoms may appear within 12-24 hours post op
-hypotension, fever, N/V, pallor, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea

Question 8

what are people with Cushing’s disease at an increased risk for?

Answer 8

-infection
-gastric ulcers
-bone fractures