Nailfold Capillaroscopy Evaluation in Cushing Syndrome Patients

This cross-sectional, single-center study will assess the microvascular function using a nailfold video-capillaroscopy in patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome.

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with increased macrovascular diseases and impaired endothelial function. There is no clear data about the effects of hypercortisolism on microcirculation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the peripheric microvascular area in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The association of microvascular changes with present comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) and disease activation will be evaluated. Method: Cushing syndrome patients admitted to our clinic will be included in this study for the next six months after given informed consent. The following clinical laboratory parameters will be evaluated as cross-sectionally. Previous medical history, available laboratory parameters (fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, creatine, AST, ALT, complete blood count, ACTH, dexamethasone suppression tests (1 mg- 2mg), urine free cortisol, FSH, LH, total testosterone, estradiol, IGF-1, TSH, free T3, free T4, prolactin), radiologic images (Cranial MRI and Adrenal MRI) will be recorded from medical charts. Nailfold microcirculation will be evaluated with video-capillaroscopy: it is a non-invasive atraumatic assessment of the morphology and some functional aspects of cutaneous capillaries.