Ectopic Cushing's syndrome

Alternative names:

Cushing's syndrome - ectopic

Symptoms:

• moon face (round, red and full)
• "buffalo hump"--collection of fat between the shoulders
• central obesity with protruding abdomen and thin extremities
• weight gain
• weakness
• backache
• headache
• acne or superficial skin infections
• thirst
• increased urination
• purple striations on the skin of the abdomen, thighs and breasts
• mental changes
• impotence or cessation of menses

Signs and tests:

Tests are done to confirm hypercortisolism, then further tests are done to determine the cause.

Tests that confirm:

• a 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine
• a dexamethasone suppression test
• serial serum cortisol levels--do not show diurnal variations

Test that determines cause:

• serum ACTH, elevated

Further signs:

• fasting glucose, elevated
• serum potassium, low