Cushing's syndrome classification
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Cushing's syndrome may be classified according to the source of cortisol into two subtypes: endogenous and exogenous.
Classification
Cushing's syndrome is classified into two main subtypes:
Exogenous: also called iatrogenic cushing's syndrome. It's due to taking glucocorticoids medications to treat inflammation caused by other diseases like allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and after organ transplantation.
Endogenous: It's due to tumors originating from withing the body.
Benign tumors:
- Pituitary adenoma
- Adrenal adenoma
- Adrenal micronodular hyperplasia
- Adenomas in places other than the pituitary or adrenal glands, mostly in the lungs, pancreas, thyroid, or thymus
Malignant tumors:
- Adrenal cancer
- Cancer in places other than the pituitary or adrenal glands, mostly in the lungs, pancreas, thyroid, or thymus
Familial Cushing's Syndrome Patients with rare genetic diseases like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and primary pigmented micronodular adrenal disease are more susceptible to develop tumors in glands that affect cortisol levels. As a result, these patients will develop cushing's syndrome.
Pseudo-Cushing’s Syndrome It's due to alcoholism, depression or other psychiatric disorders, obesity, pregnancy, and poorly controlled diabetes.