
Cushing’s syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol levels in the blood.
Definition Cushing’s syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol levels in the blood which may be the result of a tumor of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) or from tumors or cancer arising elsewhere in the body (ectopic ACTH producing tumors). Cushings disease also refers to excessive ACTH secretion by a pituitary tumor (also called pituitary adenoma). Below figure describes the feedback system of cortisol. The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) Background of cushing’s syndrome In 1932 American neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing described the clinical findings that provided the link between specific physical characteristics (e.g., abnormal … Continue reading Cushing’s syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol levels in the blood.