Cushing's syndrome or obesity

A rare case of the Cushing syndrome, due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is described. Because of generalized obesity, normal height, normal bone age and family history of obesity, a boy 10 years of age had at first been misdiagnosed as simple obesity. A reduction in height velocity, advancement of bone age and development of precocious pseudopuberty led to a more detailed biochemical investigation and to the correct diagnosis. The clinical picture can be misleading in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's disease versus simple obesity. From a comparison of reports on pediatric Cushing's syndrome, it is obvious that in most pediatric cases fat distribution differs from that of adult Cushing's syndromes. Stunted growth is reported to be more frequent, but normal and excessive height in Cushing's syndrome is not uncommon. In adrenal hyperplasia a retardation of bone age is usually expected. Interpretation of endocrine functions must take into account that simple obesity leads to secondary endocrinopathies, which are similar to the findings in Cushing's syndromes.Plasma cortisol at midnight and 12 hourly excretion of free cortisol in urine as well as overnight Dexamethasone suppression of morning plasma cortisol are judged to be good screning parameters. Plasma ACTH assays can help in the initial diagnosis and are mandatory during the follow up for an early detection of Nelson's syndrome.