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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...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

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

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Cushing's disease.

Xavier Bertagna1, Laurence Guignat, Lionel Groussin

  • 1Service des Maladies Endocriniennes et Métaboliques, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de la Surrénale, Hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Fg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France. xavier.bertagna@cch.aphp.fr

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
|December 1, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cushing's syndrome is caused by excess cortisol. Diagnosis involves biological tests and imaging to find the cause, such as pituitary or adrenal tumors. Treatment focuses on removing the tumor or managing cortisol levels.

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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

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Published on: January 17, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Cushing's syndrome results from chronic excess glucocorticoids.
  • It stems from pituitary adenomas (Cushing's disease), ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production, or adrenal tumors.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic pathway for Cushing's syndrome.
  • To differentiate between ACTH-dependent and ACTH-independent causes.
  • To discuss current treatment strategies and challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Biological assessments including 24-h urinary cortisol, late-evening plasma/salivary cortisol, and dexamethasone suppression tests.
  • Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans for adrenal and pituitary evaluation.
  • Hormonal assays, including ACTH levels and inferior petrosal sinus sampling when necessary.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis requires unequivocal demonstration of hypercortisolism.
  • Suppressed ACTH indicates adrenal causes, often visualized by CT.
  • Elevated ACTH suggests Cushing's disease or ectopic ACTH syndrome, requiring further differentiation.
  • Distinguishing between pituitary and ectopic ACTH sources can be challenging.

Conclusions:

  • Cushing's syndrome diagnosis relies on a combination of biochemical and imaging studies.
  • Trans-sphenoidal surgery is the preferred treatment for Cushing's disease.
  • Management of ectopic ACTH syndrome and adrenal causes requires tailored approaches.
  • Further research is needed for effective treatments for corticotroph adenomas.