MEGESTROL-INDUCED CUSHINGS-SYNDROME

This case describes the first report of a patient developing Gushing's syndrome whilst being treated with the synthetic progestogen, megestr ol acetate (Megace). Drugs are the commonest cause of Gushing's syndro me. Some synthetic progestogens are known to have glucocorticoid activ ity at high doses. On structural grounds neither megestrol nor its maj or metabolites would be expected to interact with the glucocorticoid r eceptor, though the manufacturers report that it may have 'weak glucoc orticoid activity'.