Causes of Cushing’s syndrome:

Causes of cushing’s syndrome are-

1. ACTH-dependent:

a) Pituitary adenoma secreting ACTH- causing bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (i.e. Cushing’s disease)

b) Ectopic ACTH syndrome (e.g. bronchial carcinoid, small-cell carcinoma of the lung)

c) Iatrogenic (ACTH therapy)

2. ACTH-independent:

a) Iatrogenic (chronic glucocorticoid therapy)

b) Adrenal adenoma or carcinoma

3. Pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome:

Here there is increased cortisol level due to other illness like-

i) Excess intake of alcohol

ii) Obesity

iii) Major depressive illness.