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Recurrent thromboembolism as a hallmark of Cushing's syndrome
A La Brocca1, M Terzolo, A Pia
1Divisione di Medicina Interna, Ospedale Civile di Giaveno, Torino, Italy.
Insights
This case study highlights a patient with recurrent blood clots who was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome. Surgical removal of an ACTH-secreting tumor resolved the condition, confirming a link between Cushing's syndrome and hypercoagulability.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Cushing's syndrome is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events.
- Hypercortisolism can lead to a prothrombotic state.
Abstract:
The present report describes a 54-year-old woman with a history of recurrent thromboembolic events. The clinical and physical examination led to suspect Cushing's syndrome. Screening tests (urinary free cortisol excretion and 1 mg dexamethasone) were inconclusive, but a detailed endocrine work up confirmed the presence of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. The patient was cured by the removal of a ACTH-secreting microadenoma by transsphenoidal route. The present case provides a clinical demonstration of a previous experimental evidence that a hypercoagulable state is present in Cushing's syndrome.