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Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome

Meaning

Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by the collection of physiological signs and symptoms resulting from chronic, excessive circulating glucocorticoids, which is caused by medical treatment rather than an endogenous tumor or glandular overproduction. It is recognized as the most frequent cause of Cushing’s syndrome and typically results from prolonged, supraphysiological doses of exogenous corticosteroid medications administered for various inflammatory conditions. The condition manifests with characteristic features such as central obesity, fragile skin, and significant muscle wasting due to the potent catabolic and metabolic actions of the excess steroid.