Pregnancy-induced Cushing's syndrome in recurrent pregnancies: case report and literature review

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012 Feb;52(1):96-100. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2011.01388.x. Epub 2011 Dec 20.

Abstract

Pregnancy in women with Cushing's syndrome (CS) is uncommon. It is associated with significant maternal and fetal complications. Pregnancy-induced Cushing's syndrome is exceptionally rare with fewer than ten cases reported in the world literature and none in Australia or New Zealand. We describe a woman with possible recurrent pregnancy-induced CS complicating five pregnancies over a 7-year period. We discuss the changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during normal pregnancy together with the diagnosis, aetiology and management of CS in pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Cushing Syndrome / therapy
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism*
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
  • Metyrapone / therapeutic use*
  • New Zealand
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology*
  • Pregnancy / physiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Metyrapone