Familial Cushing’s syndrome is another possible cause. Cushing’s syndrome isn’t typically inherited, but it’s possible to have an inherited tendency to develop tumors of the endocrine glands.
How is Cushing’s syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis
Cushing’s syndrome can have many different causes. The diagnosis is made based on abnormal cortisol levels in the body. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical history and symptoms. They may also order laboratory tests, including:
a 24-hour urinary free cortisol test
midnight plasma cortisol and late-night salivary cortisol measurements
a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
After you receive the diagnosis of this condition, your doctor still must determine the cause of the excess cortisol production. Tests to help determine the cause may include a corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and a high-dose dexamethasone suppression test. They may also order imaging studies, such as CT and MRI scans.