[Etiology analysis of 522 hospitalized cases with Cushing syndrome]

To summarize the characteristics of the etiology distribution of Cushing syndrome (CS) patients in Chinese PLA general hospital during the past 20 years.

All data of CS patients admitted to Chinese PLA General Hospital between 1995 and 2014 were collected. The sex ratio of patients, visiting age, final diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed.

From January 1995 to December 2014, 522 patients with CS were admitted, of which, 134 (25.67%) were males and 388(74.33%) were females. The overall mean age was (42±13) years old. 46.36% of the cases were adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) dependent, and ACTH independent CS accounted for 53.64%. At the 41-60 age group, the proportion of ACTH independent CS was higher than that of ACTH independent CS.The proportions of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH), ectopic ACTH syndrome and adrenal cortical carcinoma were higher in male group than in female group. The number of CS patients was gradually increased during the past 20 years. The proportion of ACTH independent CS was increased (from 32.8% to 60.4%). The proportion of ACTH dependent CS was declined (from 67.2% to 39.6%).

The etiology spectrum of CS has changed. There was significant gender-related, age-related difference of etiology distribution in patients with CS.