Adrenal Disease Flashcards
what does the adrenal medulla secrete?
catecholamines
name two catecholamines
noradrenaline
adrenaline
name two adrenal androgens
DHEA
androstenedione
what is the starting point for steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands?
cholesterol
what regulates production of aldosterone?
RAAS
plasma potassium
what are the three main clinical uses for corticosteroids?
suppress inflammation
suppress the immune system
replacement treatment
what are the three routes of administration of corticosteroids?
oral
IM
IV
what is adrenal insufficiency?
when there is inadequate adrenocortical function
what are the two types of adrenal insufficiency?
primary
secondary
what causes primary adrenal insufficiency?
disorders of the adrenal gland
addison’s. CAH, adrenal TB/malignancy
what causes secondary adrenal insufficiency?
lack of ACTH production
steroids, pituitary disease, hypothalamic disease
what is addison’s disease?
autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex
how does addison’s present? (5)
anorexia fatigue dizziness abdominal pain skin pigmentation
what is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency?
addison’s disease
what biochemistry should raise suspicion of adrenal insufficiency?
low sodium
high potassium
hypoglycaemia
what is the diagnostic test for adrenal insufficiency?
short synacthen test
what does a short synacthen test involve?
measure plasma cortisol before and then 30 mins after an ACTH injection
what is a normal result from a short synacthen test?
baseline >250
post ACTH >550
what are ACTH levels like in addison’s disease?
raised
what causes the skin pigmentation in addison’s disease?
raised ACTH
what are renin and aldosterone levels like in addison’s disease?
increased renin
reduced aldosterone
what is the management of primary adrenal insufficiency?
hydrocortisone
fludrocortisone
what is cushing’s syndrome?
excess cortisol secretion
what group is cushing’s syndrome more common in ?
women aged 20-40
name five clinical features of cushing’s syndrome
bruising striae obesity thin skin proximal myopathy