Behaviour disorder caused by Cushing's syndrome in an older person. (10th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Damanti, S; Abbate, C; Chiodini, I; Cesari, M; Nestola, T; Belloni, G; Mandelli, C; Mari, D; Lucchi, T
• Is Part Of: Age and ageing. Volume 47:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 905
• Page End: 906
• Publication Date: 2018-07-10
• Subjects: Cushing Syndrome -- Older people -- Ectopic -- Behavioural disorders; Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afy102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0729

Abstract

Abstract: An 81-year-old woman was hospitalised for behavioural disorders that had been progressively emerging over a period of few weeks. The symptoms appeared to worsen over time. A diagnosis of vascular dementia, complicated by psychosis, was initially hypothesised. The inefficacy of the antipsychotic/benzodiazepine medications used, along with the presence of hypertension, hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis (resistant to pharmacological attempts of correction), as well as the hirsutism and the development of several infections, led us to consider Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinological analysis suggested ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. Although endogenous Cushing's syndrome is rare in older people, it should always be considered among the differential diagnosis of behavioural disorders.