Which condition is a metabolic disorder caused by overproduction of corticosteroid by the adrenal cortex and is associated with obesity and high blood pressure?

• A. Cushing's Syndrome
• B. Addison's Disease
• C. Conn's Syndrome
• D. Pheochromocytoma

Answer: (A)

This question asks you to identify a condition caused by too much cortisol produced by the adrenal cortex, with obesity and high blood pressure being typical features. That overproduction of corticosteroids leads to a metabolic syndrome-like picture: cortisol promotes glucose production and raises blood sugar, shifts fat to the trunk and face, and increases sodium and water retention, which raises blood pressure. The combination of central fat distribution and hypertension is classic for this condition, making it the best choice.

Addison's disease is due to too little cortisol, so it presents with fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation rather than obesity and hypertension. Conn's syndrome is excess aldosterone from the adrenal gland, causing hypertension and low potassium, but not due to cortisol overproduction. Pheochromocytoma involves excess catecholamines, causing episodic hypertension, headaches, sweating, and tachycardia, not the cortisol-driven metabolic profile described.