Diagnosis and management of Cushing′s syndrome in pregnant women

Abstract

Cushing′s syndrome during pregnancy is a very rare clinical condition, but can be seriously detrimental to mothers and fetuses. The gestation could lead to an increase of endogenous adrenal cortisol which could mimick the symptoms of Cushing′s syndrome and also cause difficulty in biochemical diagnosis. Moreover, the therapy of Cushing′s syndrome need to be optimized based on the classification of the pathogenesis, the timing of terminating pregnancy should be considered prudently and comprehensively in this condition. This article mainly reviews the diagnosis and therapies of Cushing′s syndrome concomitant with pregnancy and provides possible suggestions for the management of this condition. Key words: Cushing′s syndrome; Pregnancy; Adrenal adenoma; Cushing′s disease