Cushing syndrome symptoms typically include which combination?

Cushing syndrome symptoms typically include which combination?

• A. Central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, purple striae, HTN, hyperglycemia, morning cortisol elevated
• B. Weight loss, hypotension, hyponatremia
• C. Cold intolerance, dry skin
• D. Polyphagia, hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Excess cortisol produces a distinctive pattern of fat distribution and metabolic effects that define Cushing syndrome. The combination described—central obesity with truncal fat, a round “moon” face, a dorsocervical fat pad or “buffalo hump,” and purple (violaceous) abdominal striae—reflects dermal thinning and rapid adipose tissue redistribution. Hypertension arises from cortisol’s mineralocorticoid-like activity and sodium retention, while hyperglycemia results from increased hepatic glucose production and insulin resistance. Elevated morning cortisol indicates loss of normal diurnal variation, which is typical of hypercortisolism. Together, these signs form the classic presentation. The other options don’t fit because they point to other endocrine conditions. Weight loss with hypotension suggests adrenal insufficiency; cold intolerance and dry skin point to hypothyroidism; polyphagia with hypoglycemia isn’t a typical pattern for Cushing syndrome and screens for different metabolic issues.

Excess cortisol produces a distinctive pattern of fat distribution and metabolic effects that define Cushing syndrome. The combination described—central obesity with truncal fat, a round “moon” face, a dorsocervical fat pad or “buffalo hump,” and purple (violaceous) abdominal striae—reflects dermal thinning and rapid adipose tissue redistribution. Hypertension arises from cortisol’s mineralocorticoid-like activity and sodium retention, while hyperglycemia results from increased hepatic glucose production and insulin resistance. Elevated morning cortisol indicates loss of normal diurnal variation, which is typical of hypercortisolism. Together, these signs form the classic presentation.

The other options don’t fit because they point to other endocrine conditions. Weight loss with hypotension suggests adrenal insufficiency; cold intolerance and dry skin point to hypothyroidism; polyphagia with hypoglycemia isn’t a typical pattern for Cushing syndrome and screens for different metabolic issues.