A 32-year-old woman comes to the physician because of weight gain, generalized weakness, and irregular menstrual cycles for the past 6 months. More recently, she has been having difficulties rising from a chair. She has a 2-year history of hypertension. Current medication is hydrochlorothiazide. She is 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 100 kg (220 lb). BMI is 36 kg/m2. Her pulse is 92/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 134/76 mm Hg. She appears tired and has a full, plethoric face and central obesity. Which of the following sets of laboratory findings are most likely to be seen in this patient?

Question

A 32-year-old woman comes to the physician because of weight gain, generalized weakness, and irregular menstrual cycles for the past 6 months. More recently, she has been having difficulties rising from a chair. She has a 2-year history of hypertension. Current medication is hydrochlorothiazide. She is 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 100 kg (220 lb). BMI is 36 kg/m2. Her pulse is 92/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 134/76 mm Hg. She appears tired and has a full, plethoric face and central obesity.   Which of the following sets of laboratory findings are most likely to be seen in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Cushing syndrome can be categorized as ACTH-dependent or ACTH-independent.  Excess ACTH secretion in ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome leads to hyperpigmentation.  In addition to increased cortisol production, ACTH stimulates production of adrenal androgens (eg, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) leading to hirsutism and menstrual irregularities.

A 32-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because of Weight