What are some key features of Cushing's syndrome?

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, often due to adrenal or pituitary tumors or prolonged use of corticosteroids. One of the hallmark features of this condition is obesity, which tends to be central, leading to a distinctive distribution of body fat. This often manifests as "moon facies," where the face appears round and puffy due to fat deposition.

In addition to obesity and moon facies, patients with Cushing's syndrome may exhibit other signs such as purple striae (stretch marks), easy bruising, and muscle weakness. The combination of weight gain and the unique facial appearance is highly indicative of this syndrome, making it a key feature in diagnosis and clinical assessment.

The other options describe symptoms that do not align with the typical presentation of Cushing's syndrome. For example, severe hypoglycemia would suggest conditions associated with excessive insulin rather than cortisol. Similarly, dry skin is not a common finding; instead, patients might have fragile skin due to the effect of cortisol. Hypotension would typically not be seen in Cushing's syndrome, where patients often experience hypertension instead. Thus, recognizing the classic features such as obesity and moon facies is critical in identifying and managing Cushing's syndrome effectively