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Cushing syndrome - exogenous

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Definition:

Exogenous Cushing syndrome is a form of Cushing syndrome that occurs in people taking glucocorticoid (also called corticosteroid) hormones, such as prednisone.

Alternative Names:

Cushing syndrome - corticosteroid induced; Corticosteroid-induced Cushing syndrome; Latrogenic Cushing syndrome; Exogenous Cushing syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Exogenous means caused by something outside the body. Exogenous Cushing syndrome occurs when a person takes synthetic glucocorticoids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, for treatment purposes (for example, to treat asthma).

The signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome are due to overproduction of certain hormones produced by the adrenal glands , such as cortisol.

For other causes and more information about Cushing syndrome see:

• Cushing syndrome
• Ectopic Cushing syndrome
• Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal tumor

• Review Date: 8/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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