Osler’s Phenomenon: Misdiagnosing Cushing’s Syndrome
October 2003
in “
Postgraduate Medical Journal
”
Studysummary This study described four cases of delayed diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome, highlighting that increased clinical awareness and screening could reduce its associated morbidity and mortality.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document from 2003 discusses the issue of misdiagnosing Cushing's syndrome, a condition with symptoms like obesity, diabetes, hirsutism, and adrenal hyperplasia. It presents four case reports where patients had a delayed diagnosis ranging from six months to ten years, leading to worsening symptoms. The delay is attributed to the perceived rarity of the condition, and the authors suggest that increased clinical awareness and appropriate screening could lead to earlier diagnosis. They propose the term "Osler's phenomenon" to describe the misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosing Cushing's syndrome, acknowledging Sir William Osler's early work on the condition.
