Cushing Syndrome and Addison's Disease Are

Question

Cushing syndrome and Addison's disease are
A) forms of chronic adrenal cortical hypofunction.
B) forms of chronic adrenal cortical hypersecretion.
C) treated with replacement doses of cortisol (i.e., prednisone).
D) disorders of the adrenal cortex.

Accepted Answer

Both Cushing syndrome and Addison's disease are disorders of the adrenal cortex. Cushing syndrome is characterized by chronic adrenal cortical hypersecretion, while Addison's disease is characterized by chronic adrenal cortical hypofunction. These conditions are not treated with replacement doses of cortisol in the same way, as the former requires a reduction in cortisol levels while the latter requires an increase.