Cortisol elevation due to pituitary ACTH overproduction occurs in which condition?

Cortisol elevation due to pituitary ACTH overproduction occurs in which condition?

• A. Addison disease
• B. Pheochromocytoma
• C. Cushing disease
• D. Wolman disease

Answer: (C)

Cortisol elevation caused by ACTH overproduction from the pituitary occurs with a pituitary ACTH-secreting adenoma, known as Cushing disease. In this condition, the pituitary releases too much ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisol, leading to systemic hypercortisolism. This distinguishes it from Addison disease, where cortisol is low due to primary adrenal failure, and from pheochromocytoma, which elevates catecholamines rather than cortisol. Wolman disease is unrelated to cortisol regulation. Imaging often shows bilateral adrenal hyperplasia from constant ACTH stimulation in Cushing disease.

Cortisol elevation caused by ACTH overproduction from the pituitary occurs with a pituitary ACTH-secreting adenoma, known as Cushing disease. In this condition, the pituitary releases too much ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisol, leading to systemic hypercortisolism. This distinguishes it from Addison disease, where cortisol is low due to primary adrenal failure, and from pheochromocytoma, which elevates catecholamines rather than cortisol. Wolman disease is unrelated to cortisol regulation. Imaging often shows bilateral adrenal hyperplasia from constant ACTH stimulation in Cushing disease.