Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
26.6K
Subclinical Cushing syndrome: a review.
Lee F Starker1, John W Kunstman1, Tobias Carling2
1Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|May 27, 2014
Summary
Subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS) is underdiagnosed but treatable. Surgery can reverse health problems caused by excess cortisol, making adrenalectomy a recommended option for eligible patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Science
Background:
- Subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS) is frequently underdiagnosed due to diagnostic challenges.
- SCS affects 5%–20% of patients with adrenal incidentalomas.
- SCS is linked to significant morbidity, potentially reversible with treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic and treatment challenges of SCS.
- To emphasize the benefits of surgical intervention for SCS.
- To recommend minimally invasive adrenalectomy for appropriate SCS patients.
Main Methods:
- Systematic and thorough biochemical evaluation for SCS diagnosis.
- Assessment of morbidity associated with SCS.
- Evaluation of surgical outcomes and complication rates for adrenalectomy.
Main Results:
- SCS is likely underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- Biochemical evaluation is key to establishing the diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention can reverse SCS-associated morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Minimally invasive adrenalectomy is recommended for biochemically proven or suspected SCS in suitable surgical candidates.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of SCS can mitigate long-term health risks.
- Addressing SCS is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing disease burden.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
35
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...
35
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
24
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...
24
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
3.7K
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...
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...
3.7K
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
561
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
561
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
23
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
23
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
923
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
923