Initially described in earlier part of the 20th century by surgeon Harvey Cushing, Cushing syndrome is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by excess levels of serum cortisol.1,2 It can occur secondary to multiple etiologies broadly classified as exogenous (iatrogenic) or endogenous (spontaneous).3 Endogenous Cushing Syndrome may occur secondary to primary adrenal hyper function however the most common etiology is the elevated ACTH levels which leads to adrenal hyper function and increased serum cortisol levels.4,5 Most common source of elevated ACTH levels is the pituitary adenoma in which case the complex is labeled as
Cushing disease while in approximately 20% cases the source of elevated ACTH is ectopic.
Serum steroid tests are now commonly used for screening of various adrenal diseases like
Cushing disease, primary aldosteronism, CAH, and DSDs.
Gauthier et al., "Role of Brg1 and HDAC2 in GR trans-repression of the pituitary POMC gene and misexpression in
Cushing disease," Genes & Development, vol.
Poulsen, "Unmasking sarcoidosis following surgery for
Cushing disease," Dermato-Endocrinology, vol.
(1) Cushing's syndrome is associated with (i) ingestion of prescribed glycocorticoids, (ii) a pituitary ACTH-secreting corrticotroph adenoma (
Cushing disease account for most cases), (iii) cortisol secreting adrenal adenomas and carcinomas, and (v) ectopic corticotrophinreleasing hormone (CRH) or ACTH secretion by bronchial carcinoids and other rare tumors.
Cushing disease is a relatively rare cause of Cushing syndrome secondary to a hyperfunctioning pituitary adenoma.
In this database, there are more than 1600 cases of
Cushing disease. To our knowledge, this is the largest database about
Cushing disease all over the world.
Global Markets Direct's, 'Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (
Cushing Disease) - Pipeline Review, H1 2016', provides an overview of the Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (
Cushing Disease) pipeline landscape.
Owner Helen Armstrong started feeding pollen to her pony Dusty, 31, when he developed
Cushing disease, a debilitating condition that weakens the immune system and causes lethargy, weight loss and overheating.