Cushing`s syndrome

A 46-years-old male patient has Cushing`s syndrome that is due to the presence of an adrenal tumor.

Questions and tasks

1. Which pathological conditions (including their symptomatology) are associated with hypersecretion of suprarenal cortex hormones?

2. Describe what is the difference between Cushing`s syndrome and Cushing`s disease.

3. Which of the following drugs would be expected to reduce the signs and symptoms of this man`s disease? Describe the characteristics (including mechanism of action and adverse effects) of the chosen drug).

a) bethamethasone
b) cortisol
c) fludrocortisone
d) ketoconazole
e) triamcinolone

4. Are there other pharmacological options available for this patient?

5. Which of the following is a drug that, in high doses, blocks the glucocorticoid receptor?

a) aminoglutethimide
b) beclomethasone
c) ketoconazole
d) mifepristone
e) spironolactone

 

Solution