Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy: the timing of definitive treatment

Abstract

Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy is rare but associated with a high fetal loss rate, premature labour and excessive maternal morbidity. There has been controversy regarding the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment during pregnancy. We describe two further cases, both due to adrenal adenomas, in whom the diagnosis was made at 28 and 31 weeks gestation. Both cases suffered from severe myopathy. The first case was not treated during pregnancy and developed wound and urinary infections after caesarean section and subsequent adrenalectomy. An incisional hernia in the caesarean section scar has been repaired twice. The second had an adrenalectomy when 29 weeks pregnant with rapid resolution of the features of Cushing's syndrome, particularly the myopathy, and had an uneventful vaginal delivery. The second case, and a review of those previously described, indicates that surgical treatment during pregnancy is safe and significantly reduces fetal losses, premature labour and maternal morbidity.