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CUSHING'S SYNDROME RESOURCES

What is Cushing's Syndrome?

Cushing's syndrome refers to the physical and emotional difficulties caused by an elevated cortisol level. Features of excess cortisol include weight gain, especially centrally, fatigue, easy bruisability, excess hair growth (termed hirsutism), susceptibility to infection, depression, menstrual irregularities in women, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men, high blood pressure, diabetes, and weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Many of these are non-specific, meaning that people who have them usually do not have Cushing's syndrome. Most patients who do have Cushing's syndrome have some, but not all, of these features. There is a characteristic appearance in many patients who have excess cortisol which includes a round, reddened face, excess fat pad in the back of the neck ("buffalo hump"), excess fat in the collarbone area, central weight gain, primarily in the abdomen, with relative thinning of the arms and legs, and abdominal stretch marks. In the majority of cases, it can be cured, with improvement in all of these features.

Research Studies Available - SOM 230: A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of SOM 230 in Patients with Cushing’s Disease

Neuroendocrine Bulletin Archive

Profiles of the Endocrine Clinic: A Decade of the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine Clinical Center.

 

APPOINTMENTS & REFERRALS Anne Klibanski, M.D.,  Director, Neuroendocrine Clinical Center aklibanski@partners.org Patients & Families with questions about referrals, consultations or appointments may contact: Voice:  617.726.7948 Fax:  617.726.1241 (Select here for maps of MGH) Outpatient clinic visits and inpatient consultations can be arranged by calling the Neuroendocrine Clinical Center office. Physicians with questions may contact Dr. Grinspoon at 617.726.7948

PHYSICIANS' PITUITARY INFORMATION SERVICE

Physicians with questions may contact: Dr Biller or Dr Klibanski at 617.726.3965 or 1.888.429.6863 e-mail pituitary.info@partners.org

Massachusetts General Hospital MGH Endocrinology MGH Pediatric Endocrinology MGH Neurosurgical Service MGH Neurology MGH Radiation Oncology Harvard Medical School Partners HealthCare