addisons disease

Question 1

what is addisons disease?

Answer 1

• adrenal gland fails to produce adequate cortisol

3 types:
primary - failure of adrenal glands to produce cortisol and aldosterone

secondary- failure of pituitary gland to produce ACTH leading to cortisol deficiency

tertiary - failure of hypothalamus to secrete CRH

Question 2

addisons signs

Answer 2

primary
- hyperpigmentation
- hypotension
- hyponatremia and hyperalkemia

secondary
- no hyperpigmentation or hyperalkaemia bc aldosterone is unaffected

Question 3

addisons symptoms

Answer 3

generalised fatigue
weight loss and loss of apetite
hypoglycemia
salt cravings - aldosterone deficiency

Question 4

addisons investigations

Answer 4

serum cortisol - <5 (low)

ACTH - high in primary, low/normal in secondary and tertiary

ACTH stimulation - no inc in cortisol - primary

insulin tolerance test- secondary / tertiary