Cushing's syndrome in childhood.

A patient with Cushing's syndrome whose clinical manifestations began at approximately 9 years of age was followed for a period of four years. Initial laboratory studies revealed urinary 170HCS and 17 KS levels which were elevated for her age, with a normal diurnal variation of plasma cortisol and normal suppression of urinary 170HCS by 1.5 mg. of dexamethasone daily. It was not until four years after the onset of the disease that laboratory studies unequivocally supported the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome resulting in definitive therapy. Clinical features consisted primarily of cessation of growth, obesity, and hirsutism, with no evidence of protein depletion. It is suggested that the clinical and laboratory features of Cushing's syndrome in childhood may present differences from those found in the adult. Failure to recognize these differences may result in delay in therapy with subsequent persisting stigmata of the disorder.