Adrenal diseases

Question 1

Cushing’s syndrome is often caused by:

Answer 1

prolonged exposure to an XS of glucocorticoids

Question 2

Exogenous cause of Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 2

admin of glucocorticoids as medication or misuse; most common

Question 3

Endogenous cause of Cushing’s

Answer 3

XS production of glucocorticoids by body itself e.g. Cushing’s disease - caused by pituitary adenoma

Question 4

Addison’s disease

Answer 4

Primary adrenal insufficiency caused by destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex

Question 5

Addisonian crisis

Answer 5

acute, life-threatening presentation of Addison’s disease

caused by a significant deficiency in glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids which may occur due to an additional stress e.g. infection which causes exacerbation of pre-existing deficiency

Question 6

Conn’s syndrome

Answer 6

Primary aldosteronism - caused by XS of aldosterone independent of RAAS

Question 7

Phaeochromocytoma

Answer 7

catecholamine-secreting tumour of chromaffin cells.