Addison’s disease

Question 1

cause

Answer 1

decreased secretion of cortisol

Question 2

adrenogenital insufficiency could be:

Answer 2

(1) primary adrenocortical insufficiency: (Addison disease)
- caused by autoimmune destruction of the cortex by antibodies
- in such case, both aldosterone and cortisol are deficient
while ACTH level is increased
(2) secondary adrenogenital insufficiency:
- may occur due to a pituitary or hypothalamic abnormality resulting in
insufficient ACTH secretion.
- in this case, only cortisol is deficient as aldosterone does not depend on
ACTH stimulation

Question 3

Manifestations of Addison disease:

Answer 3

Mineralocorticoid manifestations: (the most dangerous)
(1) hyponatremia: causes hypotension
(2) hyperkalemia: leads to cardiac arrythmia
(3) acidosis:

Question 4

Glucocorticoid manifestations:

Answer 4

(1) hypoglycemia: - it impossible for the person with Addison’s disease to
maintain normal blood glucose concentration between meals
(2) muscle weakness
(3) Anemia. Why? – as cortisol increases RBCS formation
(4) The person with Addison’s disease is highly susceptible to stress,
and even a mild respiratory infection can sometimes cause death.
(5) Melanin pigmentation of mucous membranes
and skin,
especially in lips and thin skin of nipples.