Adrenal pt 2 (week 9)

Question 1

Diseases caused by adrenal cortex hyperfunction

Answer 1

Cushings Syndrome
Conn’s Syndrome
Adrenogenital Syndrome

Question 2

Cushings Syndrome refers to an overproduction of

Answer 2

glucocorticoids (cortisol)

Question 3

over production of cortisol in Cushings Syndrome due to

Answer 3

• benign of malignant adenoma
• excess medication with corticosteroids
• excessive ACTH output from pituitary
• ectopic production of ACTH by a malignant tumor

Question 4

pituitary adenoma

Answer 4

excessive ACTH output from pituitary caused by tumor

Question 5

what is the most common cause of Cushings Syndrome

Answer 5

administration of excess corticosteroids

Question 6

what age range does Cushings Syndrome caused by adrenocortical tumors typically occur

Answer 6

20-40

Question 7

excessive levels of cortisol will lead to

Answer 7

• muscle wasting and weakness
• poor wound healing
• osteoporosis
• hyperglycemia
• depletion of potassium
• retention of sodium and water
• hypertension
• abnormal fat distribution
• susceptibility to infection
• increased androgens (virilization of women)
• mental changes

Question 8

most common cause of Conn’s Syndrome

Answer 8

benign tumor called aldosteronoma

Question 9

What population does Conn’s Syndrome typicalls occur in

Answer 9

females age 30-50; rare

Question 10

Is primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism more common?

Answer 10

secondary

Question 11

causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism

Answer 11

• reduced renal blood flow (renal artery stenosis)
• nephrotic syndrome (end stage renal disease)
• oral contraceptives (induces renal hypertension)
• congestive heart failure

Question 12

most common cause of hyperaldosteronism

Answer 12

CHF

Question 13

treatment for hyperaldosteronism

Answer 13

diuretics

Question 14

symptoms of Conn’s Syndrome

Answer 14

• hypernatremia
• hypertension
• hypokalemia
• diabetic symptoms (due to hypokalemia interfering with attachment to insulin receptors)
• metabolic alkalosis

Question 15

treatment of Conn’s Syndrome

Answer 15

resection of tumor
treat hypertension
correct hypokalemia
ACE inhibitors to prevent renal damage

Question 16

Conn’s Syndrome also known as

Answer 16

primary hyperaldosteronism

Question 17

treatment for Cushings Syndrome

Answer 17

resection of tumor

radiation

Question 18

Cusings Syndrome can be caused by

Answer 18

intrinsic problems with adrenal cortex

intake of exogenous steroids (cross reactivity)

Question 19

most common cause of hyperaldosteronism

Answer 19

CHF

Question 20

Is primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism more common?

Answer 20

secondary

Question 21

Conn’s Syndrome also known as

Answer 21

primary hyperaldosteronism

Question 22

treatment for Cushings Syndrome

Answer 22

resection of tumor

radiation

Question 23

what is virilization of women

Answer 23

women grow facial hair, fat distribution changes to a more male pattern

Question 24

why does potassium depletion occur in Cushings Syndrome

Answer 24

some cortisol will cross react and stimulate aldosterone receptors, which causes the body to retain sodium and water and excrete potassium

Question 25

why does hyperglycemia occur in Cushings Syndrome

Answer 25

steroids increase release of glucose, therefore, Beta cells wear out trying to produce enough insulin to keep up

Question 26

why does osteoporosis occur in Cushings Syndrome

Answer 26

the ratio of estrogens & progestins to glucocorticoids changes, which causes osteoporosis

Question 27

why does poor wound healing occur in Cusings Syndrome

Answer 27

steroids decrease inflammatory and immune response

Question 28

why does muscle wasting occur in Cushings Syndrome

Answer 28

excess cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis from protein to provide energy

Question 29

Cusings Syndrome can be caused by

Answer 29

intrinsic problems with adrenal cortex

intake of exogenous steroids (cross reactivity)

Question 29

most common cause of Conn’s Syndrome

Answer 29

benign tumor called aldosteronoma

Question 29

What population does Conn’s Syndrome typicalls occur in

Answer 29

females age 30-50; rare

Question 29

causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism

Answer 29

• reduced renal blood flow (renal artery stenosis)
• nephrotic syndrome (end stage renal disease)
• oral contraceptives (induces renal hypertension)
• congestive heart failure