USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

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What is the primary cause of Cushing disease?

  1. Adrenal Cushing syndrome

  2. Ectopic Cushing syndrome

  3. Cushing disease

  4. Nelson Synd

The correct answer is: Cushing disease

Cushing disease, also known as hypercortisolism, is primarily caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that causes an overproduction of the hormone cortisol. This results in a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood changes. On the other hand, options A and B refer to different types of Cushing syndrome that are caused by issues with the adrenal glands or ectopic tumors, respectively. Option D, Nelson Syndrome, is actually a complication of Cushing disease, rather than a primary cause.

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