Abnormal Wound Healing of Patient with Cushing Syndrome Found after Aesthetic Surgery

ABSTRACT

Cushing syndrome has several adverse effect such as infection and delayed wound healing. However, it can't be easily detected by routine screening test. Our department reports a case of abnormal wound healing of Cushing syndrome that was found after face lift and abdominoplasty. A 55-year-old woman presented with aging face and abdominal obesity. Pre-operative screening test was normal except thin and dry skin. MACS(minimal access cranial suspension) lift and high tension abdominoplasty were done. After surgery, preauricular and abdominal flaps were deepithelialized and necrotized despite of stitch out and conservative dressing. To find the reason of abnormal wound healing, we conducted additional studies including hormone and CT. A 30mm sized adrenal cortical tumor was found on CT scan, and she was diagnosed as Cushing syndrome. After removal of the tumor, wound was stabilized. Therefore, full thickness skin graft and local flap were done. Wound healing became normal, and major complications such as dehiscence and infection did not occur. Abnormal wound healing process caused by Cushing syndrome can be normalized after resection of adrenal tumor.