Abstract
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is quite difficult in endocrinology. Spontaneous Cushing's syndrome is usually divided into two subgroups, one which is dependent on corticotropin (ACTH) and another one which is not. In the first class are Cushing's disease, the ectopic corticotropin syndrome and the rare ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) syndrome; these ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome have usually diffusely enlarged adrenal glands. In the second class are cortisol producing unilateral adrenocortical adenomas or carcinomas, and the recent Cushing's syndrome with food dependent periodic hormonogenesis. This food dependent Cushing's syndrome is an ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome with multinodular enlargement of both adrenal glands. Pathogenesis is an aberrant adrenal sensitivity to physiologic secretion of gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP). Ectopic expression of GIP receptors on adrenal cells involve pathologic food induced cortisol secretion. Food dependent Cushing's syndrome is a new cause of Cushing's syndrome. Food induced cortisol secretion may have to be explored in the ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.