ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome Treated with Homeopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Cushing's disease is an endocrine disorder caused by endogenous hypercortisolism resulting from an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary tumour. The average incidence of new cases is 2.4 cases per million people per year. The first-line treatment for Cushing's disease is selective transsphenoidal pituitary surgery; however, the risk of recurrence after the initial surgery is high and remains so for many decades after surgery. There is paucity of scientific evidence regarding Cushing disease in homoeopathy.

Method This case study describes a case of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome with fasting plasma cortisol serum levels and 24 hours urinary free cortisol levels were 22.7 ug% and more than 1000 μg/24 hour, respectively, and decreased after 1 mg and 8 mg overnight dexamethasone. Mercurius in ascending fifty millesimal potency was prescribed as an individualised homeopathic medicine on the basis of symptoms.

Result The patient improved symptomatically as evidenced by a marked reduction in weight and cortisol levels in the normal range under continued homoeopathic treatment.

Conclusion Homoeopathy can be effectively used to decrease cortisol levels in Cushing disease and prevent hypercortisolism-associated comorbidities such as infection, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Keywords

ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome - Cushing disease - Cushing syndrome - homoeopathy - individualised homeopathic medicine

Patient's Consent

The author certifies that the patient completed a consent form in which he gave his consent for his medical images and other clinical information to be reported anonymously in an academic journal. The patient understands that his name and initials will not be published and that all due efforts are made to conceal his identity.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 January 2025

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