Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. It can result from a pituitary or adrenal tumour. An MRI may show changes in the pituitary or adrenal glands consistent with a cortisol-producing tumour. Finding the source of excess cortisol early may allow for surgical treatment before Cushing's syndrome causes serious metabolic and cardiovascular complications.