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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

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[Neuroendocrine Clinical Home]
Profiles of the Endocrine Clinic: A Decade of the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine Clinical Center.
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APPOINTMENTS & REFERRALS

[Neuroendocrine Clinical Home]
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

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MASSGENERAL
LEGAL ISSUES

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Disclaimer About Medical Information: The information and reference materials contained herein is intended solely for the information of the reader. It should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. All visitors to this and associated sites from the Neurosurgical Service at MGH agree to read and abide by the the complete terms of legal agreement found at the Neurosurgery "disclaimer & legal agreement." See also: the MGH Disclaimer, the MGH Privacy Policy, and the MGH Interactive Program Disclaimer - Visitors must read the disclaimer - legal agreement. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2007 MGH Neuroendocrin Clinical Center - e-mail C.Owen
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MGH  Neurosurgical Service Home

Neuroendocrine
Clinical Center

Physicians' Pituitary Information Service - Physicians with questions may contact Dr Biller or DR Klibanski at 617.726.3965 or 1.888.429.6863 or via e-mail pituitary.info@partners.org
Voice:  617.726.7948
Fax:  617.726.1241

Clinical Research Studies
Clinical Research Studies in Pituitary Disorders
Clinical Research Studies in Anorexia Nervosa