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Ophthalmology2 papers

Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome refers to clinical conditions mimicking Cushing's syndrome due to exogenous glucocorticoid use, certain physiological states, or other etiologies, without the characteristic adrenal pathology 2.

Diagnosis

  • Elevated cortisol levels or cortisol-like effects without adrenal hyperplasia or hypercortisolism origin 2.
  • Exclusion of true Cushing's syndrome through imaging and biochemical tests 2.
  • Specific etiologies should be identified (e.g., alcohol-induced in some cases) 2.
  • No specific mention of IgA antibodies to gluten and gliadin in diagnostic criteria 1.
  • Management

  • Address underlying cause (e.g., cessation of alcohol abuse in alcohol-induced cases) 2.
  • Adjunctive management may include monitoring for complications like hyperlipemia, requiring lipid-lowering therapy if indicated 2.
  • Specific drug dosing not detailed in provided abstracts 2.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific guidance provided for pregnancy, pediatrics, or elderly populations in the given abstracts [].
  • Comorbidities like hyperlipemia noted in alcohol-induced cases, warranting lipid management 2.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Identify and treat the underlying cause of pseudo-Cushing's syndrome (Evidence: Moderate) 2.
  • Monitor for and manage complications such as hyperlipemia, especially in alcohol-induced cases (Evidence: Weak) 2.
  • Consider exclusion of true Cushing's syndrome through comprehensive biochemical and imaging evaluations (Evidence: Moderate) 2.
  • References

    1 Ringvold A, Overgaard RG. Increased IgA antibodies to gluten and gliadin in serum of persons with ocular pseudo-exfoliation. Acta ophthalmologica Scandinavica 1995. link 2 Endo Y, Chuhbachi A. Hyperlipemia in alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome. Japanese journal of medicine 1986. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Increased IgA antibodies to gluten and gliadin in serum of persons with ocular pseudo-exfoliation.Ringvold A, Overgaard RG Acta ophthalmologica Scandinavica (1995)
    2. [2]
      Hyperlipemia in alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome.Endo Y, Chuhbachi A Japanese journal of medicine (1986)

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