A Case Report of Cushing’s Disease Presenting as Hair Loss
February 2017
in “
Case Reports in Dermatology
”
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Studysummary This case report highlights that hair loss, though common in the general population, may be a rare presenting symptom of Cushing's disease, as observed in a woman with multiple dermatological signs of the condition. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
In 2017, a 33-year-old female with a history of various health issues, including a stable pituitary microadenoma, presented with worsening hair loss over a year, unresponsive to minoxidil treatment. Physical examination and laboratory tests, including elevated levels of urine cortisol and other hormones, led to a diagnosis of Cushing's disease. The patient's hair loss, along with other dermatological signs, was consistent with this diagnosis. Despite hair loss being a common complaint, it is rarely the initial symptom of Cushing's disease. The patient's treatment involved the surgical removal of the pituitary microadenoma. This case highlights the need to consider endocrine disorders in the differential diagnosis of hair loss.
