Cushing's Syndrome Associated with Corticogenic Hypothyroidism: A Case Study

Abstract

Described here is a 27-year-old female, who had centripetal obesity, broad reddishpurple striae on the lower abdomen and hypertension. Serum cortisol levels, the results of a dexamethasone suppression test and an adrenal scintigram with ¹³¹I-19-iodocholesterol were all compatible with Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenal adenoma that secretes cortisol autonomously. This was confirmed by gross and microscopic examination of the removed adrenal tumor. In addition, the patient had markedly diminished T₄ and T₃ concentrations in serum. Basal TSH levels were not elevated and did not rise significantly after TRH injection. Serum T₄ and T₃ concentrations were elevated to the normal range when the hyperadrenocorticism was corrected. The results indicate that the patient had “corticogenic hypothyroidism.”.