Why is Cushing’s syndrome often misdiagnosed?

Cushing’s syndrome is an uncommon cause of common signs, symptoms, and conditions

Cushing’s syndrome due to an endogenous cause (usually a tumor) is uncommon and can be difficult to diagnose. That is because the signs and symptoms are not the same for everyone, and many signs and symptoms are diagnosed first.^1,2 But as multiple signs and/or symptoms are diagnosed, Cushing’s syndrome should be suspected. Click here for signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

For example, Cushing’s syndrome can be the hidden cause of diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and other disorders. Click here for more information. Once diagnosed, these conditions are often treated without further testing, so Cushing’s syndrome can go undetected.^1,3

Examples of when to consider Cushing’s syndrome following a different diagnosis^1-5

Health concern	You might have Cushing’s syndrome if …
Type 2 (non–insulin-dependent) diabetes	Diabetes is not adequately controlled by standard treatment
Weight problems	Weight gain is unmanageable and is concentrated in the abdomen with thin arms and legs
Hair problems	There is an abnormal increase in hair growth in women (called hirsutism)
Facial changes	The face stays red and continues to get rounder
Osteoporosis	You develop this condition at a younger age

Through general awareness of the signs, symptoms, and conditions associated with Cushing’s syndrome, more people may be diagnosed and treated earlier.

Next, read about treatments for Cushing’s syndrome.

References: 1. Arnaldi G, Angeli A, Atkinson AB, et al. Diagnosis and complications of Cushing’s syndrome: a consensus statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88:5593-5602. 2. The Hormone Foundation’s patient guide to the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. The Hormone Foundation. http://www.hormone.org/resources/patient_guides/upload/mgmt-cushings-syndrome-070609.pdf. Accessed August 4, 2009. 3. Nieman LK, Ilias I. Evaluation and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. Am J Med. 2005;118:1340-1346. 4. Newell-Price J, Bertagna X, Grossman AB, Nieman LK. Cushing’s syndrome. Lancet. 2006;367:1605-1617. 5. National Institutes of Health. Cushing’s syndrome. NIH Publication No. 08-3007. 2008;1-10.