The doctor warned about a dangerous disease with an asymmetry of the abdomen

Cushing's syndrome is a rare but dangerous disease caused by chronically elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. On August 7, Natalia Tananakina, an endocrinologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia how this syndrome affects the body and why the shape of the abdomen changes in patients.

"In Cushing's syndrome, fat is redistributed — it accumulates in the face, neck and upper abdomen. At the same time, the abdominal wall muscles weaken due to steroid myopathy caused by excess cortisol. As a result, the stomach becomes large and round, and due to sagging tissues, the navel may visually shift to the side," the expert explains.

In addition to changes in the figure, the disease is accompanied by other symptoms — rapid weight gain in the central parts of the body, red stretch marks, hypertension, muscle weakness and emotional disorders.

"A diagnosis cannot be made based solely on external signs. Cortisol, ACTH, and MRI or CT scans are needed to detect tumors of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands," Tananakina emphasizes.

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Abdominal asymmetry can also occur with other pathologies — hernias, abdominal tumors, ascites, therefore, with such changes it is important to undergo an examination. Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on its cause: most often, removal of a tumor of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands is required.

After normalization of cortisol levels, fat is gradually redistributed, muscles are strengthened, and the shape of the abdomen can be restored. However, the process takes months, and sometimes requires additional measures such as physical therapy or nutritional adjustments.

Without treatment, the disease leads to severe complications such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and immunodeficiency.

"Navel displacement and abdominal asymmetry are non—specific but important signs that may indicate Cushing's syndrome, especially in combination with other symptoms: rapid weight gain, weakness, stretch marks, high blood pressure. This is not just a cosmetic defect, but a manifestation of a serious hormonal disorder," the doctor warned.

The key to success, she added, is early diagnosis and treatment. Modern medicine allows not only to make an accurate diagnosis, but also to completely cure the disease in most cases.

On April 23, Natalia Zolotareva, a cardiologist and somnologist at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about the dangerous consequences of atherosclerosis. According to her, atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke and even gangrene. In addition, the first signs of the disease are not excluded in 20-30 years.

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