Cushing’s syndrome

Feature Summary

The aim of surgery is to improve the patient’s body image and correct the complications of persistent hypercortisolemia.

Overview

Cushing’s syndrome is caused by persistently elevated cortisol level in the body. Patients may experience moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, muscle weakness, back pain, elevated blood pressure, elevated glucose levels, easy bruising, purplish striae, irregular menstruation and excessive hair in women.

Features

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome may be caused by an adrenal tumor that secretes excessive cortisol; it may also be related to a pituitary tumor or ectopic Cushing’s syndrome that produces excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Tumor removal is the treatment of choice for many cases.

Procedure

To treat an adrenal tumor, the urologist can perform an unilateral adrenalectomy; to treat a pituitary tumor, transphenoidal surgery should be performed by an experienced neurosurgeon. If the patient is not cured by surgery, a combination of radiotherapy and medication can be used. For ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, surgery, chemotherapy and medication may be chosen based upon different patient situation.

Notification

Risks & complications

• Hypoadrenalism after surgery will warrants a period of cortisol replacement.
• Other pituitary hormones may be influenced by transphenoidal surgery and should be carefully monitored.
• Infection and wound healing are other problems related to surgery.

Estimated Cost

Prices are subject to change without prior notice, need to pay in accordance with the actual medical expenses.

Taipei Veterans General Hospital International Medical Service Center