What is another name for Cushing’s disease? What is one of the key signs of Cushing syndrome?

Cushing’s disease, also known as Itsenko-Cushing disease, is a specific form of Cushing’s syndrome. It is characterized by increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary, often as a result of a pituitary adenoma. This leads to an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands.

One of the key signs of Cushing’s syndrome is weight gain, particularly in the face (causing a round, moon-shaped face), the midsection, and between the shoulders and the upper back. This can sometimes cause a visual hump, often referred to as a buffalo hump.

Other common symptoms include purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts, and underarms, thinning skin that bruises easily, and skin injuries that are slow to heal. In addition to these, individuals with Cushing’s syndrome may also experience symptoms such as high blood pressure, fatigue, muscle weakness, and emotional changes such as anxiety, irritability, and depression.