Advances in Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Cushing's Disease

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 2016 Dec 20;38(6):735-738. doi: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503X.2016.06.019.

Abstract

Cushing's disease (CD) is a relatively rare disease,characterized by pathological hypercortisolism secondary to excessive adrenocorticotrophic hormone that is secreted by pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone adenoma or hyperplasia. In addition to the typical clinical symptoms such as moon face,buffalo hump,and central obesity,the CD patients may also experience mental disorders and cognitive dysfunction. This review mainly focuses on the cognitive state of CD patients,the mechanisms of cognitive impairment caused by high cortisol levels,and the imaging findings (especially magnetic resonance imaging) for the evaluation of cognitive functions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / complications
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / complications
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Cushing Syndrome / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications