Diagnosis And Treatment

For some, a diagnosis for Cushing's Syndrome may not occur for months to even years because Cushing's Syndrome is hard to diagnose and it is difficult to recognize some of the early warning signs. Below are some of the common tests and procedures that can be done to try and help identify Cushing's Syndrome, along with some videos showing people's journey to receive a diagnosis.



Common Exams and Tests
Blood sugar and white blood cell counts may be high. Potassium levels may be low. Some laboratory tests that may be done to diagnose Cushing syndrome and identify the cause are:
  • Serum cortisol levels
  • Salivary Cortisol levels
  • Dexamethasone Suppression Test
  • 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine
  • ACTH levels
  • ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test
Tests to determine the cause or complications may include:
  • Abdominal CT
  • ACTH test
  • Pituitary MRI
  • Bone Density, as measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
  • High cholesterol including high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may also be present.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Cushing syndrome caused by corticosteroid use:
  • Slowly decrease the drug dose (if possible) under medical supervision.
  • If you cannot stop taking the medication because of disease, your high blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, and bone thinning or osteoporosis should be closely monitored.
Cushing syndrome caused by a pituitary tumor or tumor that releases ACTH:
  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • Radiation after removal of a pituitary tumor (in some cases)
  • You may need hydrocortisone (cortisol) replacement therapy after surgery, and possibly continued throughout your life
Cushing syndrome due to an adrenal tummor or other tumors:
  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • If the tumor cannot be removed, medications to help block the release of cortisol

 

 



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