Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome: This condition is often associated with mild cortisol elevation due to various factors such as obesity, depression, or alcohol abuse, which can lead to increased cortisol levels without an actual Cushing's syndrome diagnosis. The elevation is typically mild and can be distinguished from true Cushing's syndrome through further testing.

Cushing's syndrome: Although less common than pseudo-Cushing's, Cushing's syndrome is a critical diagnosis to consider. It involves excess cortisol production, which can be due to a variety of causes including adrenal tumors, pituitary adenomas (Cushing's disease), or familial Cushing's syndrome. Mild elevation might be seen in early or mild cases.
Familial Cushing's syndrome: A rare genetic form of Cushing's syndrome, which might present with mild cortisol elevation, especially in its early stages.
Ectopic ACTH-producing tumor: Tumors outside the pituitary gland can produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leading to increased cortisol production. These can sometimes present with mild cortisol elevation, especially if the tumor is small or not fully active.

Adrenal incidentaloma with subclinical Cushing's syndrome: Incidentally discovered adrenal masses can sometimes produce cortisol, leading to subclinical Cushing's syndrome, characterized by mild cortisol elevation without overt symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.
Pituitary macroadenoma with mild ACTH secretion: Large pituitary tumors can secrete ACTH, leading to increased cortisol levels. Even if the secretion is mild, the tumor's size can pose significant risks, including visual field defects and hormonal imbalances.
Familial glucocorticoid resistance: A rare genetic disorder where the body's tissues are resistant to cortisol, leading to increased production of cortisol to compensate, which can result in mild to moderate cortisol elevation.

McCune-Albright syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that can affect the adrenal glands, leading to Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal nodular hyperplasia. The cortisol elevation can be mild, especially in early stages.
Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD): A rare cause of Cushing's syndrome characterized by the development of multiple small nodules in the adrenal glands, leading to increased cortisol production. The elevation can sometimes be mild.
Carney complex: A rare genetic disorder that can include Cushing's syndrome due to PPNAD, among other features. The cortisol elevation in these cases can vary but may be mild in some instances.