Cushing Syndrome

Diagnosis

To diagnose Cushing syndrome, a doctor who treats hormone disorders (endocrinologist) talks with the person, reviews the medical history, performs a physical examination and orders laboratory tests.

Some lab tests used to detect Cushing syndrome include:

• 24-hour urinary free cortisol level
• Blood tests
• Saliva test
• Overnight dexamethasone suppression test

When doctors diagnose Cushing syndrome, they may conduct further tests to find the cause of excess cortisol production. Tests may include:

• Blood ACTH level
• Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test
• Inferior petrosal sinus sampling
• Dexamethasone-CRH test
• Imaging studies