Hypercortisolism Is Associated with Increased Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity: A Retrospective Study

Objective Cushing's syndrome is known to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Chronic hypercortisolism, independently of its ethiology, can determine metabolic impairment, increased mortality and morbidity. The objective of our study was to determine the predictors of cardiovascular disease and the most frequent metabolic disorders. The primary end point of our study was defined as the occurrence of major cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, ischemic heart disease. Methods 25 patients with Cushing's syndrome (15 with Cushing's disease and 10 with adrenal adenomas) were included. Anthropometric (weight, height, BMI) and laboratory parameters (including lipid profile, hormonal profile) were measured in patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted and the patients were divided in two groups (first with Cushing's disease and the second one with Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal adenoma). Results In the first group there was observed a higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia (56.25% versus 40%), the percentage of strokes was higher (12.5% versus 0%) and diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 43.75% of patients. Overall a high percentage of the patients presented thromboembolic events (20% in the both groups), with a slightly higher occurrence in the second group (patients with adrenal adenomas).