Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Prepubertal Cushing's disease is more common in males, but there is no increase in severity at diagnosis

Helen L Storr1, Andrea M Isidori, John P Monson

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, West Smithfield, London, United Kingdom EC1A 7BE.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|August 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Cushing's disease (CD) shows different sex distributions before and after age 18. In children, males are more affected, while adult CD is more common in females. Disease severity at diagnosis is similar between sexes in younger patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol.
  • Adult CD predominantly affects females, often presenting with more severe disease in males.
  • Limited data exists on sex distribution and disease severity in pediatric CD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze sex distribution and biochemical severity of CD at diagnosis in pediatric and young adult patients.
  • To compare disease characteristics between males and females in different age groups and pubertal statuses.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 50 CD patients (aged 6.4-30.0 years) diagnosed at a single center.
  • Categorization into age groups: ≤18 years and 18-30 years.
  • Assessment of sex distribution based on age and pubertal status, and comparison of biochemical markers (cortisol, ACTH) between sexes.

Main Results:

  • CD diagnosed ≤18 years predominantly affected males (68%), while CD diagnosed 18-30 years predominantly affected females (84%).
  • Prepubertal CD showed a strong male predominance (91%), whereas postpubertal CD showed a female predominance (81%).
  • No significant difference in hypercortisolemia or ACTH levels at diagnosis was observed between males and females in patients ≤18 years.

Conclusions:

  • The female preponderance of CD seen in adults is not observed in childhood.
  • In pediatric CD (≤18 years), males are more frequently diagnosed, but disease severity at diagnosis is similar between sexes.
  • Pubertal status significantly influences sex distribution in CD, with prepubertal males and postpubertal females being more commonly affected.

More Related Videos

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery06:46

Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery

Published on: September 27, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Sex-linked Disorders01:43

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Huntington Disease l: Introduction01:21

Huntington Disease l: Introduction

Huntington disease or HD is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.PathophysiologyIt is caused by expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene on chromosome 4 (4p16.3), producing an abnormal huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. This misfolded protein disrupts cellular function, leading to neuronal death. Normal alleles have ≤26 repeats, 27–35 are intermediate (risk of expansion), 36–39 show reduced penetrance,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...