Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Endocrine glands

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome

Alternative Names: Cushing's syndrome - ectopic Symptoms: Ectopic Cushing's syndrome tends to present with less dramatic features than classic Cushing's syndrome, but with higher blood pressure and lower potassium. Weight loss may be present due to underlying cancer. Text Continues Below Classic features of Cushing's syndrome are: moon face (round, red, and full) "buffalo hump" -- collection of fat between the shoulders central obesity -- protruding abdomen and thin extremities weakness headache acne or superficial skin infections thirst increased urination purple striations on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts mental changes impotence or cessation of menses (loss of menstrual periods) Signs and tests: Tests are done to confirm hypercortisolism, then further tests are done to determine the cause. Tests that confirm hypercortisolism: a 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine a dexamethasone suppression test serial serum cortisol levels Test that determines cause: serum ACTH, elevated Further signs: fasting glucose, elevated serum potassium, low

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.