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James Findling, Lynnette Nieman, Robert Vigersky, Patient Guide to the Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 93, Issue 5, 1 May 2008, Pages E1–E2, https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.93.5.9996
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Why were the Guidelines written?
This patient guide is based on Clinical Guidelines written to help physicians diagnose Cushing's syndrome (CS). CS is a condition that results when you have too much of the hormone cortisol in your bloodstream for a prolonged period of time. This can have harmful effects on muscles, bones, weight, heart, blood vessels, and the body's ability to fight infection.
There are two causes of CS—internal and external. External CS is more common. It is caused by taking medication containing glucocorticoids (cortisol-like medications) such as cortisone and prednisone. External CS goes away after you stop taking those medications. Internal CS affects an estimated 2 or 3 persons per million each year. It is caused by the body's over-production of the hormone cortisol.
Few, if any, signs and symptoms of CS are unique, and so diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in mild cases. This guide focuses on diagnostic tests that measure levels of cortisol in your urine, saliva, or blood.
