Margarida Maia, PhD,  science writer—

Adult stem cells derived from the belly skin of healthy people behaved in a similar way to fat cells when challenged to grow in an environment mimicking Cushing’s syndrome, a study found. According to the study’s authors, these cells “could represent a reliable model to track the mechanisms” involved in…

There are sets of microRNAs that may be used as markers for inherited or newly arising primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH), a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome, a small study found. According to researchers, these microRNAs — short RNA molecules that help control the activity of certain genes — also…

Excessive cortisol might have triggered an acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis C — an inflammation of the liver caused by an infection with the hepatitis C virus — in a woman who also had Cushing’s syndrome, according to a recent report. The woman, who was scheduled to undergo an adrenalectomy…

The case of an elderly woman who may have developed Cushing’s syndrome due to a hormone-producing lump in her lungs highlights the need for a timely and “multidisciplinary approach in [the] diagnosis and management” of hypercortisolism disorders, according to a new report. This patient’s signs and symptoms progressed…

Cushing’s syndrome triggered by different causes can have similar effects on a person’s metabolism, or the set of chemical changes that take place in the body, a study suggests. The study, “Metabolic profile differences in ACTH-dependent and ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome,” was published in the journal Chronic Diseases…

A 43-year-old woman developed Cushing’s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal adenomas, or a tumor on each of her two adrenal glands, according to a recent case report. “Although Cushing’s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal adenoma is rare, it should be considered in mid-aged females with typical symptoms,” researchers wrote. The…

A woman developed Cushing’s disease years after she had received successful treatment for Cushing’s syndrome, as described in a recent case report. “Our case illustrates that both [forms of Cushing’s] may develop in a single individual even without evidence for a common genetic background,” its authors wrote. The study,…

A two-surgeon approach to bilateral adrenalectomy — the surgical removal of both adrenal glands — may lead to fewer complications and shorter operating time in patients with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, compared with other surgical approaches. That finding from a small study, “Adrenalectomy in ectopic Cushing’s syndrome: a retrospective cohort study…

Cushing’s disease may occur secondary to a large pituitary tumor and, in rare cases, cause potassium levels in the blood to be persistently low, a recent case report highlighted. According to its authors, this case serves as a reminder that doctors should suspect Cushing’s when potassium levels remain low…

MRI scans may fail to detect a disease-causing pituitary tumor in up to one third of children and adolescents with Cushing’s disease, a study found. In the study, patients with a negative MRI scan result were less likely to enter in remission after having surgery to remove the pituitary…