Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome

n.

A syndrome caused by an increased production of ACTH from a tumor of the adrenal cortex or of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, or by excessive intake of glucocorticoids. It is characterized by obesity and weakening of the muscles.

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[After Harvey Williams Cushing.]

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Cushing's syndrome  (kshngz)

A syndrome caused by an excess of corticosteroids, especially cortisol, in the blood, characterized by obesity, muscle and skin atrophy, facial fullness (known as moon facies), hypertension, and other physical changes. Glucocorticoid excess is usually caused by a tumor of the adrenal cortex, excessive intake of ACTH or glucocorticoids, or increased production of ACTH from a tumor of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Cushing's syndrome is named after its discoverer, American neurosurgeon Harvey Williams Cushing (1869-1939).

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Cushing's syndrome - a glandular disorder caused by excessive cortisol hyperadrenocorticism adenosis, gland disease, glandular disease, glandular disorder - a disorder of the glands of the body