Final answer:
True, a Cushingoid appearance with a moon face, ecchymosis, extended abdomen, and excessive hair growth is characteristic of Cushing's syndrome, commonly caused by a pituitary tumor leading to excessive cortisol production.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: A child described as having a Cushingoid appearance typically presents with symptoms such as a moon face, ecchymosis (easy bruising), an extended abdomen (abdominal distension), and excessive hair growth. These symptoms are indicative of Cushing's syndrome, a disorder characterized by the hypersecretion of cortisol. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is a pituitary tumor, which leads to an overproduction of the hormone ACTH, causing symptoms such as obesity which often is concentrated in the face, neck, and trunk forming a so-called "buffalo hump".
Other associated symptoms may include diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and depression. Patients with Cushing syndrome might also experience high blood glucose levels, weak muscles, and fatigue. The appearance of stretch marks in the skin and thinning of the skin that leads to ecchymosis are other distinctive signs of this syndrome. Treatment focuses on reducing the excessive cortisol levels and may consist of surgery, radiation therapy, or medications depending on the underlying cause.