Cushing’s syndrome is a state of hypercortisolism, which can be due to endogenous cortisol overproduction or exogenous glucocorticoid therapy. Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is a relatively unusual disorder, although it is now clear that its prevalence is higher than
previously thought.
There are two general causes of endogenous hypercortisolism: ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome and ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome. ACTH-dependent adrenal hyperfunction can be caused by excess ACTH secretion by pituitary corticotroph tumors
(Cushing’s disease) or ectopic ACTH production, usually from neuroendocrine tumors. Endogenous ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome is caused by autonomous adrenal overproduction of cortisol, usually due to a benign, solitary adrenocortical adenoma.
However, there are several other more unusual causes of adrenal Cushing’s syndrome such as adrenal carcinoma and a variety of adrenal hyperplastic syndromes.
Depending on the extent and duration of the cortisol excess, the clinical presentation of Cushing’s syndrome varies and affects multiple systems; these include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, psychiatric disease, and hypercoagulability, features that are ubiquitous in the general population.
Diagnosis poses a challenge for clinicians given the broad clinical spectrum of Cushing’s syndrome and the many and diverse causes of it. Treatment options are varied, can be technically challenging, and frequently require a multidisciplinary approach.
Further research into the mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatment options of Cushing’s syndrome and disease is needed to address the many needs of patients and to improve outcomes.
This Research Topic aims to gather the latest insights into Cushing’s syndrome. We welcome Original Research, Review, and mini review articles research on the diagnosis, treatment, and physiopathology of Cushing’s syndrome and disease.
Cushing’s syndrome is a state of hypercortisolism, which can be due to endogenous cortisol overproduction or exogenous glucocorticoid therapy. Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is a relatively unusual disorder, although it is now clear that its prevalence is higher than
previously thought.
There are two general causes of endogenous hypercortisolism: ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome and ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome. ACTH-dependent adrenal hyperfunction can be caused by excess ACTH secretion by pituitary corticotroph tumors
(Cushing’s disease) or ectopic ACTH production, usually from neuroendocrine tumors. Endogenous ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome is caused by autonomous adrenal overproduction of cortisol, usually due to a benign, solitary adrenocortical adenoma.
However, there are several other more unusual causes of adrenal Cushing’s syndrome such as adrenal carcinoma and a variety of adrenal hyperplastic syndromes.
Depending on the extent and duration of the cortisol excess, the clinical presentation of Cushing’s syndrome varies and affects multiple systems; these include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, psychiatric disease, and hypercoagulability, features that are ubiquitous in the general population.
Diagnosis poses a challenge for clinicians given the broad clinical spectrum of Cushing’s syndrome and the many and diverse causes of it. Treatment options are varied, can be technically challenging, and frequently require a multidisciplinary approach.
Further research into the mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatment options of Cushing’s syndrome and disease is needed to address the many needs of patients and to improve outcomes.
This Research Topic aims to gather the latest insights into Cushing’s syndrome. We welcome Original Research, Review, and mini review articles research on the diagnosis, treatment, and physiopathology of Cushing’s syndrome and disease.
