Which of the following is NOT a main symptom associated with Cushing's syndrome?

Prepare for the NBEO Systemic Disease Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge. Each question includes hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an excessive level of cortisol in the body, which leads to a variety of symptoms. Among the common manifestations of this condition are poor wound healing, hyperglycemia, and the presence of a buffalo hump, which is the accumulation of fat in the upper back and neck region.

Poor wound healing occurs due to the immunosuppressive effects of excess cortisol, which impairs the body’s ability to heal and fight infections. Hyperglycemia is a critical feature because cortisol increases gluconeogenesis in the liver and decreases the effectiveness of insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. The buffalo hump is a distinctive physical sign of the syndrome, resulting from abnormal distribution of fat.

On the other hand, anorexia, which refers to a lack of appetite, is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome. In fact, many patients experience weight gain due to the hormonal imbalances caused by excess cortisol, leading to a characteristic increase in appetite rather than a decrease. Thus, identifying anorexia as a symptom of Cushing's syndrome is incorrect, making it not one of the main symptoms associated with the condition.

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