Table 1.
Comparison of characteristics of Cushing’s syndrome and mild hypercortisolism.
| Cushing’s Syndrome | Mild Hypercortisolism | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Large group of signs and symptoms that reflect prolonged and inappropriately high exposure of tissue to glucocorticoids | Alteration of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis secretion in the absence of signs or symptoms of cortisol excess |
| Prevalence | 1/500,000 | 0.8–2/1000 |
| Origin | ACTH-dependent: 80% | ACTH-dependent: 10–15% |
| ACTH-independent: 20% | ACTH-independent: 85–90% | |
| Specific signs and symptoms | Easy bruising | None |
| Facial plethora | ||
| Proximal myopathy (or proximal muscle weakness) | ||
| Striae (especially if reddish purple and >1 cm wide) | ||
| Associated conditions | Bone fragility | Bone fragility |
| Diabetes | Diabetes | |
| Hypertension | Hypertension | |
| Obesity | Obesity | |
| Dyslipidemia | Dyslipidemia | |
| Mood disorders | Mood disorders | |
| Diagnostic delay | 3–5 years | Not known |