Dallas
214-456-5959
Fax: 214-456-5963
Plano
469-303-2400
Fax: 469-303-2407
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
214-456-5959
Fax: 214-456-5963
469-303-2400
Fax: 469-303-2407
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, which is the hormone that is connected to stress. It can be caused by taking certain medications. Less common causes include tumors that may either be cancerous or benign.
Cushing syndrome began when neurosurgeon Dr. Harvey Cushing first saw a patient with this condition in 1910.
The diagnosis is based on a review of your child’s medical history, a complete physical examination and laboratory tests.
Usually the doctor will order one or more of a group of three screening tests. One looks for cortisol levels in saliva, while another measures the level of cortisol found in urine over a 24-hour period.
The third one uses a synthetic steroid known as dexamethasone to see if it stops or lessens cortisol production in the body. X-rays of glands may be used to find or rule out tumors.
Cushing’s syndrome treatment will vary based on the cause.