Repercussions of Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome. About Two Cases

Iatrogenic, exogenous or factitious Cushing's syndrome is caused by the ingestion of synthetic glucocorticoids, which inhibit ACTH secretion and cause bilateral adrenal atrophy.It is the most common cause of hypercortisolism.It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans receive pharmacological doses of glucocorticoids each year.Therefore, exogenous Cushing's syndrome may be more common than any other cause, yet it is rarely reported1.Symptoms can be highly variable and depend on the dose and duration of glucocorticoid treatment.The most common are rounded facies, striae, muscle weakness, weight gain and metabolic repercussions such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.Discontinuation of these drugs, when used chronically, should be slow and progressive to avoid adrenal insufficiency, which can lead to death.Glucocorticoid toxicity is one of the most common causes of iatrogenic illness associated with the treatment of chronic diseases.The lowest dose of glucocorticoids should be used for the shortest duration necessary to achieve treatment goals and avoid the adverse effects of these drugs.