Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific endocrine disorder: Cushing's disease is a glandular disorder caused by excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland. This overproduction results in greater than normal functioning of the adrenal glands, leading to a characteristic set of symptoms.
   • A condition of hormonal imbalance: It is a form of Cushing's syndrome specifically attributed to a pituitary tumor, which disrupts the body's cortisol regulation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with Cushing's disease after presenting with classic symptoms like weight gain and high blood pressure.
  • Treatment for Cushing's disease often involves surgery to remove the pituitary tumor.

Advanced Usage

• "to have Cushing's disease": to be afflicted with this specific medical condition.
  • She has been managing Cushing's disease for several years.
• "diagnosis of Cushing's disease": the process or result of identifying this illness.
  • The diagnosis of Cushing's disease was confirmed through blood tests and an MRI.

Variants and Related Words

• Cushing's syndrome (n): A broader term for the condition of excessive cortisol, which can be caused by various factors, including Cushing's disease (pituitary origin), adrenal tumors, or external steroid use.
  • While Cushing's disease is one cause, Cushing's syndrome can also result from long-term use of corticosteroid medications.

Synonyms

• Pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome: A more precise clinical term often used interchangeably with Cushing's disease.
• Hypercortisolism (of pituitary origin): A descriptive term focusing on the elevated cortisol levels caused by the pituitary gland.

Related Phrases

• Medical management of Cushing's disease: Refers to the therapeutic approaches for this condition.
  • The medical management of Cushing's disease may include medication, radiation, or surgery.
• Symptoms of Cushing's disease: Refers to the clinical signs, such as central obesity, a rounded face ("moon face"), and muscle weakness.
  • Unexplained weight gain and easy bruising can be symptoms of Cushing's disease.

Noun

1. a glandular disorder caused by excessive ACTH resulting in greater than normal functioning of the adrenal gland; characterized by obesity