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Cushing’s disease is a specific form of Cushing’s syndrome in which a benign pituitary adenoma secretes excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prompting the adrenal glands to release too much cortisol. This chronic hypercortisolism leads to a characteristic pattern of physical and metabolic changes, including central obesity with thin arms and legs, a round “moon face,” and a dorsocervical fat pad or “buffalo hump.”

Patients often notice wide purple stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts, along with fragile, easily bruised skin, acne, and poor wound healing. Other common features include high blood pressure, insulin resistance or diabetes, low bone density with fractures, muscle weakness, fatigue, and mood disturbances such as depression or anxiety. In children, growth slows despite weight gain, giving a paradoxical appearance of obesity and short stature.

Diagnosis combines clinical evaluation, 24?hour urinary cortisol, late?night salivary cortisol, and dexamethasone?suppression tests, followed by pituitary MRI to confirm a tumor. First?line treatment is usually transsphenoidal surgery to remove the ACTH?secreting adenoma; if surgery fails or is not possible, radiotherapy or cortisol?lowering medications may be used. With timely intervention, many patients achieve remission and see improvement in weight, blood pressure, glucose control, and bone health.