Oman woman gets new lease of life in Mumbai after doctors treat rare hormonal disorder

A 27yearold woman Shahad Siraini from Oman whose health rapidly deteriorated due to a rare hormonal disorder found a new lease on life after Mumbai doctors came to her rescue to conduct an advanced minimally invasive surgeryIt also started when unexplained weight gain initially soon escalated into a complex medical condition Within three months she gained nearly 16 kilograms and developed diabetes hypertension swelling across her body purple stretch marks acne hair loss excessive facial hair growth irregular menstrual cycles persistent fatigue and muscle weaknessThe turning point came when she suffered severe back pain with investigations revealing a D12 vertebral compression fracture an unusual finding in an otherwise healthy young adult Although each condition was treated separately the underlying cause remained unidentified until a comprehensive endocrine evaluation diagnosed Cushings disease a rare disorder caused by an Adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH secreting pituitary tumour leading to excessive cortisol production Recognising the complexity of her condition the patient travelled to Jaslok Hospital amp Research Centre where a multidisciplinary pituitary team successfully managed her caseOn July 1 this year she underwent a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery a specialised procedure performed entirely through the nasal passage without any external incisionThe surgery was led by Dr Raghvendra Ramdasi consultant Skull Base Neurosurgeon along with Dr Rakesh Katna consultant ENT Skull Base Surgery Anaesthetic care was provided by Dr Saavi Kapila neuroanesthesiologist while endocrine management was overseen by Dr Shaival Chandalia consultant Endocrinology Her spinal fracture was evaluated by Dr Manish Kothari consultant Spine Surgery and her diabetes hypertension and other systemic complications were managed by Dr Indraneel Raut additional director Critical Care MedicineThe surgery yielded encouraging early results Her serum cortisol levels reduced dramatically from 1432 microgdL 11 June 2026 to 0752 microgdL 7 July 2026 and she had her menstrual cycle after four months indicating successful biochemical remission following removal of the tumour Doctors expect her diabetes blood pressure bone health hormonal balance and overall quality of life to improve progressively as cortisol levels normaliseDr Ramdasi said ldquoBy the time patients with Cushingrsquos disease reach a neurosurgeon they often already carry several complications from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol On the scan the tumour looked small but at surgery it was almost double that size With these functional hormoneproducing tumours removing part of it is not enough mdash the entire tumour has to come out while preserving the healthy gland around it Working through the nose with an endoscope with no external incision we were able to remove it in full giving the patient the best chance of hormonal recovery and lasting remissionrdquoDr Chandalia added ldquoCushings disease is often called a great imitator because its symptoms mimic several common conditions such as obesity diabetes hypertension and menstrual irregularities The key lies in recognising the pattern rather than treating each problem in isolation Timely hormonal evaluation accurate diagnosis and close collaboration between endocrinology and neurosurgery are critical to achieving cure preventing irreversible complications and restoring a patients quality of lifeOn her recovery Shahad cheerfully commented For months I struggled with unexplained weight gain weakness and several health problems without knowing the real cause Coming to Jaslok Hospital gave me answers and hope The doctors treated me with exceptional care and compassion and today I feel like Ive been given a second chance at life I look forward to returning home healthier and strongerAlthough Cushings disease is uncommon and only a limited number of cases have been reported in Oman this successful treatment highlights the importance of recognising the condition early and the value of specialised multidisciplinary care As the young woman returns home to continue her recovery her journey stands as a reminder that seemingly unrelated symptoms can often point to a single underlying disordermdashand that timely diagnosis can be lifechanging