Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pseudo Cushing's syndrome differential diagnosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome must be differentiated from other diseases that cause hypertension, obesity, and hyperandrogenism, such as Metabolic syndrome X and Cushing’s syndrome. Depression may also cause similar symptoms.
Differentiating Pseudo Cushing’s Syndrome from other Diseases
Differentiating Pseudo Cushing’s Syndrome from other Diseases
- Differentiation from Cushing’s is extremely difficult
- Causes of Cushing’s should be excluded with imaging of the lungs, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland – but these often appear normal in Cushing’s anyway
- In the alcoholic patient with pseudo-Cushing’s, admission to hospital (and avoidance of alcohol) will result in normal midnight cortisol levels within 5 days, excluding Cushing’s[1]
- Diseases with similar symptoms
The table below summarizes the findings that differentiate pseudo-Cushing’s disease from other conditions that may cause hypertension, hyperandrogenism, and obesity. Facial plethora, skin changes, osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis and neuropsychiatric conditions.[2][3][4][5]
References
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]}; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Furqan M M. M.B.B.S[2]