Which finding in a patient on long-term corticosteroid therapy may indicate a manifestation of Cushing's syndrome?

In patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, truncal obesity is a key indicator of Cushing's syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, which can be a result of prolonged corticosteroid use or due to other underlying conditions that lead to increased cortisol production. Truncal obesity refers specifically to fat accumulation in the torso area, which is a classic physical manifestation of Cushing's syndrome.

This redistribution of fat is commonly accompanied by other symptoms such as a rounded face and thin extremities, differentiation from typical obesity which might not present with this specific fat distribution pattern. Recognizing truncal obesity in patients on corticosteroids can prompt further evaluation for Cushing's syndrome, which can lead to necessary adjustments in treatment and management of potential complications.

Other findings like weight loss, reduced appetite, and skin thinning may have diverse causes and are not specific indicators of Cushing's syndrome in the context of corticosteroid therapy. For instance, while skin thinning can occur due to corticosteroid effects, it is not exclusively indicative of Cushing's syndrome, as it can result from the medication itself rather than an excess of cortisol.