9 - Adrenal Disorders Flashcards
1
Q
Why does an increase in ACTH cause hyperpigementation of the skin?
A
- POMC broken down to ACTH and Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
- MSH stimulates pigmentation of skin
2
Q
What are the features of Addison’s disease?
A
- increased pigmentation
- autoimmune vitiligo (patches of skin lose pigmentation)
- low blood pressure
3
Q
What is the treatment of Addison’s disease?
A
- rehydrate with normal saline
- dextrose to prevent hypoglycaemia
- hydrocortisone/glucocorticoid medication
4
Q
What is Addison’s disease?
A
- primary adrenal failure
- cortisol deficiency
- autoimmune disease (UK) and tuberculosis of adrenal glands (worldwide)
- pituitary starts secreting lots of ACTH and MSH
- low BP as no aldosterone production from adrenals
- eventual death if untreated
5
Q
What are the causes of Cushing’s syndrome?
A
- taking steroids by mouth
- ectopic ACTH
- cushing’s disease (pituitary adenoma)
- adrenal adenoma/carcinoma
6
Q
What are the features of Cushing’s syndrome?
A
- impaired glucose intolerance
- weight gain
- thin skin (and easy bruising)
- striae (stretch marks)
- proximal myopathy
- mental changes (depression)
- hypertension
- fat redistribution
- moon face
- intrascapular fat pad
7
Q
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
A
due to excess of cortisol or other glucocorticoid
8
Q
what are the features of Conn’s syndrome?
A
- hypertension
- oedema
- low blood potassium
9
Q
What is Conn’s syndrome?
A
- aldosterone producing adenoma
- tumour of zona glomerulosa (produces aldosterone)
