Ectopic Cushing syndrome

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Endocrine glands

Cushing syndrome - ectopic

Ectopic Cushing syndrome tends to have fewer dramatic symptoms than classic Cushing syndrome, but it can occur with higher blood pressure and a lower potassium level. Weight loss may occur due to cancer.

Symptoms of Cushing syndrome are:

• Abdomen sticks out; arms and legs are thin (central obesity)
• Acne or minor skin infections
• Buffalo hump
• Headache
• Impotence (in men)
• Increased urination
• Menstrual cycle stops (in women)
• Mental changes
• Purple stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
• Round, red, and full face (moon face)
• Tanning or darkening of the skin
• Thirst
• Weakness

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Tests that may be done include:

• 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine
• Blood tests to check ACTH, cortisol, and potassium levels
• Dexamethasone suppression test
• Fasting glucose
• MRI and CT scans to find tumors

Review Date: 03/18/2008
Reviewed By: Elizabeth H Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).