Cushing's Syndrome in the Elderly

Abstract

Management of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) can be particularly challenging in older patients, due to the lack of several clinical features associated with cortisol excess along with a greater burden of comorbidities in them, as compared with the younger. Moreover, interpretation of diagnostic tests could be influenced by age-related physiological changes of cortisol secretion. While mortality is higher and quality of life is more impaired in the elderly with CS as compared with the younger, there is currently no agreement on the most effective therapeutic options in aged individuals, and safety data concerning medical treatment are scanty. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about age-related differences in etiology, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes of CS, and describe the potential underlying mechanisms.