Cushing's syndrome, resulting from excessive autonomous cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland, ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or corticotrophin-releasing hormone secretion by a pituitary or nonpituitary tumour and chronic glucocorticoid therapy, leads to a constellation of complications, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, stroke and thromboembolism (1). This evidence concerns the gene POMC and Cushing syndrome.