Dyslipidemia, weight gain, and decreased growth velocity in a 14-year-old male

A 14-year-old male was referred for dyslipidemia. His findings were consistent with metabolic syndrome. Although he lacked the typical physical appearance, his accelerated weight gain combined with a decreased linear growth velocity suggested Cushing syndrome. He was subsequently found to have adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome secondary to primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease without Carney Complex. After bilateral adrenalectomy, his lipid profile returned to normal. In this article, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.