Pseudo Cushing's syndrome overview

Pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder in which patients display the signs, symptoms, and abnormal hormone levels seen in Cushing’s syndrome. However, it is not a disease caused by the problem of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but an idiopathic condition. The mechanism of pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome remains unclear. Studies demonstrate that it is associated with some conditions, such as alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal, severe stresses, and some psychiatric conditions. Signs and symptoms of pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome are similar to true Cushing’s syndrome, such as truncal obesity, plethoric moon face, buffalo hump, thin skin, hypertension, increased appetite, weight gain, mood swings and fatigue. Cortisol level in salivary, urinary and blood may help diagnose. There is no specific medications for this disorder. Prognosis of pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome depends on the cause and the person.

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