Itsenko-Cushing’s disease
BIC is a neuroendocrine disease consisting in a failure of the regulatory mechanisms responsible for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. BIC is mainly affected by women from 25 to 40 years old.
reasons
The fact of the occurrence of the disease has not yet been identified. Cases related to brain injuries and neuroinfections have been noted. There is evidence of the appearance of the disease after pregnancy and childbirth. BIC can occur in adolescents during puberty (very rarely).
It has been established that most tumors occur during gene mutations, because the pituitary gland is very sensitive to hypothalamic factors: strengthening or weakening of the action of neurohormones, uncontrolled tumor proliferation, violation of the inhibitory effect of dopamine and somatostatin).
mechanism of action
When BIC occurs, the “feedback” between the brain and organs changes. Impulses entering the hypothalamus provoke the body to secrete compounds that activate the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone into the pituitary gland. In response to this, the body releases a large volume of the same hormone, and this causes the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. The hormonal level in the blood changes the course of normal metabolic processes, resulting in an increase in the pituitary gland, and single adenomas (1-3 cm) may also occur.
signs
Hair grows intensively (beard, mustache appears);
Fatness. Despite the large amount of fat deposits, the limbs are very thin. The face becomes “moon-shaped”;
Striae (stretch marks) on the hips, abdomen, chest and shoulders (the color may be different, from burgundy to pink), hyperpigmentation may be observed on the elbow and popliteal folds. This is due to a violation of protein metabolism, as a result of which the skin becomes thinner;
Muscle weakness, fatigue, increased blood pressure;
Violation of the menstrual cycle, infertility;
Weak immunity, formation of trophic ulcers, ulcers;
Insomnia, the appearance of a depressive state, possible euphoria;
Bone fragility.
diagnostics
To confirm or refute the disease, you should contact an endocrinologist, who, after a visual examination, can prescribe the following:
Blood and urine tests (for hormone levels);
Repeated blood test (first just to determine the level of homones, then again (after taking medications that lower the amount of hormones));
Measurement of the size of the pituitary gland is carried out using an X-ray of the skull. For a more detailed study, tomography (computer and magnetic resonance) is used;
X-ray of the whole body (to determine osteoporosis).
treatment
There are several ways:
Medicamental;
Radiation therapy;
Surgical intervention (if the disease develops rapidly or all of the above methods did not bring the proper result, the adrenal glands are removed).
Usually combine different methods of treatment. Cryosurgery is used as a surgical treatment (the effect of low temperatures on the pituitary tumor). Liquid nitrogen is used for this.
The doctor may also prescribe medications that lower blood pressure.
The progression of the disease depends on the stage of the disease, its duration, the age of the patient, and his state of immunity.
