Cushing Disease

What is Cushing disease?

Cushing disease is a specific form of Cushing syndrome caused by an ACTH-producing pituitary tumour, resulting in excessive cortisol production.

What is the difference between Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease?

Cushing syndrome refers broadly to excess cortisol from any cause. Cushing disease specifically refers to excess ACTH caused by a pituitary tumour.

What are the symptoms of excess cortisol?

Possible features include weight gain mainly around the abdomen, facial rounding, easy bruising, purple stretch marks, muscle weakness, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Can Cushing disease cause diabetes?

Yes. Excess cortisol can cause significant insulin resistance and increase blood glucose.

Can Cushing disease cause osteoporosis?

Yes. Prolonged cortisol excess can weaken bones and increase fracture risk.

Can Cushing syndrome occur because of steroid medicines?

Yes. Long-term or high-dose glucocorticoid treatment is an important cause of Cushing syndrome.

Does having obesity mean I have Cushing disease?

No. Obesity is extremely common and has many causes. Cushing syndrome is much less common and usually has additional characteristic clinical features.

How is Cushing syndrome diagnosed?

Testing may include late-night salivary cortisol, urinary free cortisol or dexamethasone suppression testing, followed by additional investigations to identify the cause.

How is Cushing disease treated?

Treatment may involve pituitary surgery and, in selected patients, medicines or radiotherapy.