This episode, titled ‘Hypercortisolism Treatment and Care Pathways,’ features panelists discussing the management of hypercortisolism following diagnosis, with a focus on the roles of cardiologists and endocrinologists in coordinating care. The panelists emphasize that cardiologists are often the first to identify patients at risk—particularly those with resistant hypertension or difficult-to-control diabetes—and play a critical role in initiating evaluation and referral. Beyond diagnosis, the expert faculty highlight the importance of education, both for patients and referring providers, to ensure broader awareness and appropriate screening.

The discussion then shifts to therapeutic approaches, where the panel outlines current treatment strategies based on the underlying source of cortisol excess. Faculty describe how surgical intervention remains the preferred and potentially curative option in cases of identifiable pituitary or adrenal tumors, while medical therapies may be used to reduce cortisol production or block its effects when surgery is not feasible. The panelists also note the complexity and limitations of currently available pharmacologic options, including side effect profiles and their historical focus on rare Cushing-specific populations. Overall, the expert panel underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care, accurate diagnostic workup, and individualized treatment strategies to effectively manage hypercortisolism and its cardiometabolic consequences.

In the next episode, ‘Hypercortisolism and Cardiovascular Risk Management,’ panelists will discuss the impact of hypercortisolism on overall cardiovascular risk and comorbidities. The panel highlights the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary risk management strategies.