A 45-year-old woman presents with features including a round, red face, facial fullness, and fat buildup around the neck and shoulders. Which condition is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

• A. Cushing's syndrome
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Acromegaly
• D. Polycystic ovary syndrome

Answer: (A)

Excess cortisol producing Cushing syndrome creates the recognizable look of a rounded, red, full face with fat pads at the neck and shoulders. This pattern reflects redistribution of fat to the face and trunk (often called moon face and a buffalo hump) plus possible facial flushing from capillary fragility. The absence of these specific fat changes points away from other conditions like hyperthyroidism (which usually causes weight loss and heat intolerance), acromegaly (which features enlarged hands, feet, and facial bones), or PCOS (which involves irregular menses and hirsutism rather than this facial/body fat pattern). So the signs described are most consistent with Cushing syndrome due to cortisol excess.