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What condition is characterized by excessive ACTH secretion from the pituitary gland?
Acromegaly
Cushing's disease
Secondary adrenal insufficiency
Hyperthyroidism
The correct answer is: Cushing's disease
Cushing's disease is specifically characterized by excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands. This condition is most commonly caused by a pituitary adenoma, which is a benign tumor that secretes ACTH. The elevated levels of cortisol manifest with various clinical features, including weight gain, hypertension, and characteristic changes in fat distribution. Other options present different hormonal imbalances or health conditions. Acromegaly, for example, is primarily driven by excess growth hormone often due to a pituitary adenoma, but it does not involve ACTH. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is a condition that results from inadequate ACTH production or response, and hyperthyroidism is related to excess thyroid hormone production, not ACTH. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why Cushing's disease is the correct answer regarding excessive ACTH secretion from the pituitary gland.