muscle weakness in Hypercortisolism

Q: Hypercortisolism, as in Cushing's syndrome, causes muscle weakness in? (select one)

A) distal part of the body 

B) proximal part of the body

Answer: B

The most common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome as in hypercortisolism are 

• proximal muscle weakness
• facial plethora
• wasting of the extremities 
• increased fat in the abdomen and face
• wide purplish striae
• bruising with no obvious trauma
• supraclavicular fat pads

These symptoms usually develop over time, and sometime patient take it as normal life changes.

#endocrinology

References:

1. Nieman LK, Biller BM, Findling JW, et al. The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:1526.

2. Nieman LK. Cushing's syndrome: update on signs, symptoms and biochemical screening. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 173:M33.

3. Ross EJ, Linch DC. Cushing's syndrome--killing disease: discriminatory value of signs and symptoms aiding early diagnosis. Lancet 1982; 2:646.