Addison's and Cushing's Disease

Question 1

What is Addison’s Disease?

Answer 1

Adrenal insufficiency = decreased cortisol and aldosterone

Miss Addison is a Thin Old Brown Lady who walks with a stick

Question 2

What are causes of Addison’s Disease

Answer 2

Infections
Neoplasm
Autoimmune Disease

Question 3

What is increased in Addison’s Disease

Answer 3

Potassium = Hyperkalemia
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) = Brown Pigmented Skin

(No/too little Aldosterone, no exchange between sodium and potassium therefore K+ is retained leading to hyperkalemia)

Question 4

What happens to BP in Addison’s Disease?

Answer 4

Decreases

Decreased Cortisol = Decreased in Water and Na Retention = Decreased BP

Question 5

What happens to Glucose in Addison’s Disease

Answer 5

Decreases

Question 6

What other signs and symptoms are caused by Addison’s Disease?

Answer 6

• Dehydration (lack of water retention)
• Weight Loss, Anorexia
• GI Disturbances
• Generalized Weakness
• Intolerance to Cold and Stress > anxiety and depression

Addison is a Thirsty Skinny Dark-Skinned Weak Anorexic Bitch, with Anxiety and Depression. (oh and her stomach hurts)

Question 7

What is Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 7

An elevation of Cortisol and Aldosterone

Question 8

What can cause Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 8

Tumor of the Pituitary Gland, leading to an increase in ACTH secretion.

Question 9

What is decreased in Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 9

Potassium = Hypokalemia

Question 10

What happens to BP in Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 10

Increases (due to water + sodium retention)

Aldosterone increases Na and H20 Retention.

Question 11

What happens to Glucose in Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 11

Increases

(marked impairment in insulin action and glucose disposal)

Question 12

Appearance in Cushing’s Disease?

Answer 12

• Weight gain - centripetal obesity
• Round moon face
• Proximal muscle weakness and atrophy
• Ruddy (red) appearance, striae on skin

Mr.Cushing is a White Chubby Man who loves drinking beer.

Question 13

Other Factors due to Cushing’s Disease? Affect on infection risk, osteoporosis, wound healing?

Answer 13

• Increased Infection Risk
• Osteoporosis (buffalo hump)
• Poor wound Healing

(Prolonged corticosteroids can lead to fractures)

Question 14

Difference between Cushing’s Disease and Syndrome?

Answer 14

Disease = Pituitary Adenoma

Syndrome = Adrenal Gland Tumor

(Both result in and increase in CORTISOL)