What causes Cushing's Disease?

Cushing's Disease specifically refers to the condition caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor, which leads to overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This tumor, known as a pituitary adenoma, is typically benign and produces excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol.

Cortisol has many functions in the body, including regulating metabolism, suppressing inflammation, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle. In Cushing’s Disease, the excessive levels of cortisol can cause a range of symptoms such as weight gain, hypertension, skin changes, and glucose intolerance, among others.

While adrenal tumors and other options listed can also lead to Cushing's syndrome (a broader term that encompasses any condition that causes high cortisol levels), it is the pituitary tumor that specifically defines Cushing's Disease. This distinction is important in clinical practice, as the management and treatment differ significantly depending on the underlying cause of elevated cortisol levels.