ABSTRACT
Iatrogenic Cushing’s-Like Syndrome Chronic exposure to excessive amounts of exogenous glucocorticoids may also result in the development of the classic signs and symptoms of Cushing’s-like syndrome (Part A). Reports of chronic exposure to excessive amounts of injectable, oral, topical, or ophthalmic glucocorticoids indicate the importance of this source of the syndrome. Iatrogenic Cushing’s like syndrome is sometimes referred to (incorrectly) as “iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism.” Since the pituitary and adrenal glands actually become downregulated, and adrenal cortisol output becomes reduced during exogenous glucocorticoid therapy, this should be referred to as “iatrogenic secondary hypoadrenocorticism.” Due to the sustained negative feedback effects of long-term exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids, the pituitary and adrenal glands may take weeks-months to recover before a normal ACTH:cortisol balance is restored following discontinuation of therapy (Part B).
