Cushing's Syndrome: Clinical Differential Diagnosis and Complications

Article1 July 1959CUSHING'S SYNDROME: CLINICAL DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND COMPLICATIONSLEWIS M. HURXTHAL, M.D., F.A.C.P., JOHN B. O'SULLIVAN, M.D.LEWIS M. HURXTHAL, M.D., F.A.C.P., JOHN B. O'SULLIVAN, M.D.Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-51-1-1 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptIt is now accepted that the immediate cause of Cushing's syndrome is adrenocortical hyperfunction, regardless of the possible etiologic part played by the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. The average duration of this syndrome from onset to death was estimated by Cushing1to be slightly over five years. The major causes of death are infection, complications of cardiovascular disease, and neoplastic disease.2The duration of the disease and its severity are considered to be important factors in treatment and prognosis.3With a condition which is so potentially fatal, and in which the ravages of the disease are in part proportional...Bibliography1. Cushing H: Basophil adenomas of pituitary body and their clinical manifestations (pituitary basophilism), Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 50: 137-195, 1932. Google Scholar2. PlotzKnowltonRagan CMAIC: Natural history of Cushing's syndrome, Am. J. Med. 13: 597-614 (Nov.) 1952. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Sosman MC: Cushing's disease—pituitary basophilism, Caldwell lecture, 1947, Am. J. Roentgenol. 62: 1-32 (July) 1949. Google Scholar4. LaidlawReddyJenkinsHaydarRenoldThorn JCWJDNAAEGW: Advances in the diagnosis of altered states of adrenocortical function, New England J. Med. 253: 747-753 (Nov. 3) 1955. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. 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CrozierAinley REAB: Guillain-Barré syndrome, New England J. Med. 252: 83-88 (Jan. 20) 1955. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar25. HirsonFeinmannWade CELHJ: Diabetic neuropathy, Brit. M. J. 1: 1408-1413 (June 27) 1953. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar26. WaltersWilderKepler WRMEJ: The suprarenal cortical syndrome: report of two cases with successful surgical treatment, Proc. Staff Meet., Mayo Clin. 9: 400-407 (July 3) 1934. Google Scholar27. BirkeDiczfalusy GE: Fluctuation in the excretion of adrenocortical steroids in a case of Cushing's syndrome, J. Clin. Endocrinol. 16: 286-290 (Feb.) 1956. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Boston, Massachusetts*Received for publication January 5, 1959.From the Department of Internal Medicine, The Lahey Clinic, Boston, Massachusetts.Requests for reprints should be addressed to Lewis M. Hurxthal, M.D., The Lahey Clinic, 605 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston 15, Massachusetts. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byToward a Diagnostic Score in Cushing's SyndromeNeuroendocrine Mechanisms and the Precipitation of Depression by Life EventsUrolithiasis in children: Current medical managementUrolithiasis in ChildhoodHypertonieCushing's Syndrome and Depression—A Prospective Study of 26 PatientsCalculus disease in the upper urinary tractEndocrine DisordersCushing's Syndrome: A Psychiatric Study of 29 PatientsCushing's Syndrome, Tryptophan and DepressionIntermittent Cushing's diseaseRenal Lithiasis: A Practical ApproachGASTRIC AND DUODENAL ULCER AND THEIR ASSOCIATED DISEASESPediatric NephrolithiasisRoentgen diagnosis of the kidney and the ureterFluctuating Cushing's Syndrome, Acute Psychosis, Aminoglutethimide TherapyPeriodic Psychoses in the Light of Iological Rhythm ResearchOn the Pharmacologic Actions of 21-Carbon Hormonal Steroids ("Glucocorticoids") of the Adrenal Cortex in MammalsThe Biochemistry of Affective DisordersQuantitative microradiographic study of bone remodeling in Cushing's syndromeMyocardial Infarction in an Industrial PopulationInterrelationships Between the Endocrine System and NeuropsychiatryAssessment of Adrenocortical FunctionTransient Schizophrenic Reaction as a Major Symptom of Cushing's SyndromeCUSHING'S SYNDROMECushing's Disease: Special Aspects and Diagnostic ProceduresMetabolic Changes in the Kidney in Relation to Hypertension 1 July 1959Volume 51, Issue 1Page: 1-16KeywordsCardiovascular diseasesEdemaHypertensionInfectious diseasesOsteoporosisPeptic ulcersPituitary glandPolycythemiaProteinsThyroid ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 July 1959 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright ©, 1959, by The American College of PhysiciansPDF downloadLoading ...