Cushing's syndrome

American  

noun

1. Pathology. Cushing's disease.

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Cushing's syndrome Scientific  

/ ksh′ĭngz /

1. A syndrome caused by an excess of corticosteroids, especially cortisol, in the blood, characterized by obesity, muscle and skin atrophy, facial fullness (known as moon facies), hypertension, and other physical changes. Glucocorticoid excess is usually caused by a tumor of the adrenal cortex, excessive intake of ACTH or glucocorticoids, or increased production of ACTH from a tumor of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Cushing's syndrome is named after its discoverer, American neurosurgeon Harvey Williams Cushing (1869–1939).

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Example Sentences

Unlike Shana, I never developed Cushing’s syndrome, which is when your cortisol is too high.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2025

"Cushing's syndrome is rare, affecting only a few people in every million, per year," a spokeswoman said.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2024

When steroids are the cause of Cushing’s syndrome, reducing their use can help reverse the symptoms of the disorder, Dr. Morris-Wiseman said.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2024

It’s also approved in the U.S. to treat Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2023

Cushing’s syndrome was the official diagnosis, possibly related to his MS and possibly not.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama