Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Cushing syndrome results from chronic glucocorticoid excess. Exogenous (most common: iatrogenic steroids) or endogenous (ACTH-dependent: pituitary adenoma 70%, ectopic ACTH 15%; ACTH-independent: adrenal adenoma/carcinoma 15%). Screening: 24h urine free cortisol, late-night salivary cortisol, 1mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Clinical features: central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, striae, proximal weakness, glucose intolerance.