Thromboembolic Complications, Heparin Treatment and Increase in Coagulation Factors in Cushing's Syndrome

Seven of 19 consecutive patients with Cushing's syndrome demonstrated thromboembolic manifestations before or after adrenal ectomy. These were successfully treated with heparin. The mean values of coagulation factors VIII (AHF) and V as well as prothrombin were increased. There was a positive correlation between the increase in factor VIII content and the severity of disease. The possibility that these changes in blood coagulation activity reflect an increased coagulability state in Cushing's syndrome is discussed.