Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

Fatal course of cyclic Cushing's disease - lessons from a case

Daria Baszko-Blaszyk1, Katarzyna Ziemnicka, Ryszard Waśko

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland. dbblaszyk@ump.edu.pl

Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|June 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic Cushing's disease (CCD) presents with fluctuating cortisol levels, alternating between high, normal, and low. This rare endocrine disorder can be fatal, as demonstrated by a patient who succumbed to severe hypokalemia.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Cyclic Cushing's disease (CCD) is a rare variant of Cushing's disease characterized by fluctuating cortisol secretion.
  • Understanding the clinical and biochemical variability of CCD is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 56-year-old patient with CCD was monitored for 28 months.
  • The patient exhibited alternating clinical and biochemical episodes of hyper-, normo-, and hypocortisolemia.

Findings:

  • The disease course was ultimately fatal.
  • Severe hypokalemia was identified as the cause of death.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potentially severe and fatal complications of cyclic Cushing's disease.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring and management of electrolyte imbalances in patients with CCD.

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...
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
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...
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...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment: