[Hypercortisolism in pregnancy]

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2006 Feb;20(116):232-5.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Hipercortisolemia in pregnancy occurs rarely because of menstrual disturbances and infertility in subjects with Cushing syndrome. The diagnosis of pathological hipercorisolemia in pregnant women is often difficult because some symptoms of the disease may be associated with complicated pregnancy. Hipercortisolemia causes weight gain, especially trunk obesity with thin extremities, arterial hypertension, glucose intolerance, purple-blue skin striae and hirsutism. Hormonal and radiological diagnostic in pregnancy is limited. Results of hormonal estimations and of dynamic tests are difficult to interpret because of physiological changes in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis connected with pregnancy. Interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging of pituitary gland should include hypertrophy of pituitary gland connected with pregnancy. The choice of optimal time and method of treatment should be cautious and individualized because of the possibility of maternal and fetal complications.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cushing Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Cushing Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Cushing Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism*
  • Hypertension / epidemiology
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone