Basics: Testing: Dex Tests Sunday Mar 29
Dexamethasone suppression test measures whether adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion by the pituitary can be suppressed. How the Test is Performed Laura, In The Media Sunday Mar 29
Cushing's has appeared several times in the media. Jayne Kerns encouraged Zastrow to check out a Cushing's Web site, which Zastrow did. Every symptom listed matched her condition. Her doctor ran some tests, and the results confirmed Zastrow had Cushing's, a hormonal disorder often brought on by a tumor. https://cushingsbios.com/2025/11/29/laura-in-the-media/
Home cortisol tests: 3 of the best Monday Mar 30
There are several home cortisol tests available to purchase over the counter or online. These allow a person to take a sample of blood, urine, or saliva before sending it off for analysis. After taking a home cortisol test, people can usually receive their results within 2–5 days online or via a telephone call with a healthcare professional. However, there are currently no studies investigating the reliability of these home cortisol tests. Therefore, people should follow up on their test results with a healthcare professional. Read more at https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/55639-home-cortisol-tests-3-of-the-best/ Treatments: Adrenalectomy and BLA (Bilateral adrenalectomy) Monday Mar 30
Some pain is normal after any surgery. Different people have different levels of sensitivity to pain. In general, you should experience a little less pain every day. Pain is usually worse in the evening when you are trying to go to sleep. Do not be afraid to take the pain medicine prescribed for you, particularly before you go to sleep, but you can stop taking it if you are comfortable. Most pain medications cause constipation and they can also cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate power tools after you take narcotic pain medications. If you have only mild discomfort, try taking extra-strength Tylenol® as directed. https://cushings-help.com/2024/10/30/adrenalectomy-and-bla/ Cushing’s Syndrome Masquerading as Fibromyalgia: A Case Series Monday Mar 30
Three young female patients with a history of generalized body pain were diagnosed with fibromyalgia. They visited several specialities which related patients' symptoms to their previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia and were treated symptomatically. These patients developed a multitude of clinical features including fractures, hypertension, abnormal weight gain, proximal myopathic pain and bruising. They were seen by rheumatologists whose assessment was that their clinical features were not entirely due to fibromyalgia and suspected that patients have a possible underlying endocrine cause. Patients were referred to an endocrinologist for further tests with suspicion of Cushing’s syndrome. Laboratory tests and imaging confirmed a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Two of them had adrenal adenoma and one had iatrogenic corticosteroid use. These cases emphasize the need for thorough clinical evaluation for patients who are thought to have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion. Read more at https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/57756-cushing%E2%80%99s-syndrome-masquerading-as-fibromyalgia-a-case-series/ Voices from the Past: Laura F, Undiagnosed Bio Monday Mar 30
I’ve been gaining weight for about 3 1/2 yrs since having my thyroid removed due to a 25 yr old nodule that was calcified. My thyroid levels have always been good, before and after removal. There were A typical cells in the nodule, that’s why they advised removing the thyroid. As I gain weight and have lumps of inflammation now over all of my body, all I have been told is to eat less and exercise more. Even though I have told my drs that I barely eat at all. https://cushingsbios.com/2025/11/30/laura-f-undiagnosed-bio/
Ectopic ACTH-secreting Pheochromocytoma Without Typical Signs of Cushing Syndrome Wednesday Apr 1
Abstract This case report describes a 42-year-old female with a rare pheochromocytoma presenting without classic Cushingoid features but with uncontrolled hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and recurrent headaches. Despite the absence of typical signs, biochemical analysis revealed elevated cortisol and ACTH levels, and imaging showed a 6 cm adrenal mass. The patient was stabilized preoperatively with alpha-blockers and metyrapone before undergoing a successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Histopathology confirmed pheochromocytoma with aggressive features. Postoperatively, her blood pressure and symptoms improved, and her cortisol levels normalized. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of ACTH-secreting pheochromocytomas without classic hypercortisolism signs and emphasizes the need for thorough endocrine and imaging assessments. Surgical resection remains the definitive treatment, with long-term follow-up essential to monitor for recurrence. This case contributes to the limited literature on the coexistence of pheochromocytoma and ectopic ACTH secretion. https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/57818-ectopic-acth-secreting-pheochromocytoma-without-typical-signs-of-cushing-syndrome/ Global Longitudinal Strain Reduction With Apical Sparing in Cushing Syndrome-Related Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) Wednesday Apr 1
We describe a case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of recurrent pituitary adenoma, not well followed, and known comorbidities of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She arrived with severely high blood pressure and signs pointing to hypercortisolism. Further evaluation revealed left ventricular hypertrophy, reduced global longitudinal strain, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, consistent with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Workup for amyloidosis was negative. This case highlights that chronic hypercortisolism may cause pathophysiological changes in the heart, leading to HFpEF, and may induce myocardial fibrosis and impaired myocardial mechanics, producing an echocardiographic pattern that can mimic infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Recognition of this overlap is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure timely endocrine and cardiovascular management. https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/57888-global-longitudinal-strain-reduction-with-apical-sparing-in-cushing-syndrome-related-heart-failure-with-preserved-ejection-fraction-hfpef/
Cushing's Basics: What is Cortisol? Saturday Apr 4
Cortisol is a hormone which produced by the adrenal gland (cortex) to control blood sugar. The production of cortisol is triggered by the pituitary hormone ACTH. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid which stimulates an increase in blood glucose. Cortisol will also stimulate the release of amino acids from muscle tissue and fatty acids from adipose tissue. The amino acids are then converted in the liver to glucose (for use by the brain). The fatty acids can be used by skeletal muscles for energy (rather than glucose) thereby freeing up glucose for selective utilization by the brain. Cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate the function of the pituitary or adrenal glands. Some of the cortisol is metabolized by the liver to produce 17 hydroxycorticosteroids, which is then excreted in the urine. Read more at https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/56255-what-is-cortisol/ Basics: The Pituitary Gland: Small But Mighty Saturday Apr 4
“The pituitary is commonly referred to as the ‘master’ gland because it does so many important jobs in the body,” says Karen Frankwich, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist at Mission Hospital. “Not only does the pituitary make its own hormones, but it also triggers hormone production in other glands. The pituitary is aided in its job by the hypothalamus. This part of the brain is situated above the pituitary, and sends messages to the gland on when to release or stimulate production of necessary hormones.” Read more at https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/56334-the-pituitary-gland-small-but-mighty/
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