Dear colleagues,
Cushing’s Syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when one or both adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can cause a range of symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, and mood changes. This syndrome affects many aspects of your health and is greatly underdiagnosed. Almost four out of five cases are of pituitary origin and 80 % are females.
Cushing’s Awareness Day is observed on April 8, which is the birthday of Dr. Harvey Cushing, the well-known neurosurgeon who was the first to describe the condition in 1912.
Early diagnosis and treatment can reverse many features of the disease, but some co-morbidities persist and quality of life remains compromised. Hence, it is important to raise awareness for the signs of Cushing’s syndrome to increase early detection.
Minnie G, here redrawn with signs and symptoms of the disease, is one of the first described cases by Harvey Cushing – (1869–1939).
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Rapid weight gain (especially in the face and abdomen)
- “Moon face” (round face)
- Fat accumulation on the upper back (“buffalo hump”)
- Skin changes (purple stretch marks, easy bruising)
- Muscle weakness
- Fractures (osteoporosis)
- Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, irritability)
- Irregular menstruation or decreased libido
We also suggest to add a link to this educational video: https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Cushing_syndrome
This Cushing’s Awareness Day let’s empower patients and healthcare providers to recognize the signs early and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Awareness can change lives!
ENEA President
Davide Carvalho
ENEA Gen. Secretary
Krystallenia Alexandraki
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