Adrenal pt 2 (week 9) Flashcards
Diseases caused by adrenal cortex hyperfunction
Cushings Syndrome
Conn’s Syndrome
Adrenogenital Syndrome
Cushings Syndrome refers to an overproduction of
glucocorticoids (cortisol)
over production of cortisol in Cushings Syndrome due to
- benign of malignant adenoma
- excess medication with corticosteroids
- excessive ACTH output from pituitary
- ectopic production of ACTH by a malignant tumor
pituitary adenoma
excessive ACTH output from pituitary caused by tumor
what is the most common cause of Cushings Syndrome
administration of excess corticosteroids
what age range does Cushings Syndrome caused by adrenocortical tumors typically occur
20-40
excessive levels of cortisol will lead to
- 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
most common cause of Conn’s Syndrome
benign tumor called aldosteronoma
What population does Conn’s Syndrome typicalls occur in
females age 30-50; rare
Is primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism more common?
secondary
causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism
- reduced renal blood flow (renal artery stenosis)
- nephrotic syndrome (end stage renal disease)
- oral contraceptives (induces renal hypertension)
- congestive heart failure
most common cause of hyperaldosteronism
CHF
treatment for hyperaldosteronism
diuretics
symptoms of Conn’s Syndrome
- hypernatremia
- hypertension
- hypokalemia
- diabetic symptoms (due to hypokalemia interfering with attachment to insulin receptors)
- metabolic alkalosis
treatment of Conn’s Syndrome
resection of tumor
treat hypertension
correct hypokalemia
ACE inhibitors to prevent renal damage
Conn’s Syndrome also known as
primary hyperaldosteronism
treatment for Cushings Syndrome
resection of tumor
radiation
Cusings Syndrome can be caused by
intrinsic problems with adrenal cortex
intake of exogenous steroids (cross reactivity)
most common cause of hyperaldosteronism
CHF
Is primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism more common?
secondary
Conn’s Syndrome also known as
primary hyperaldosteronism
treatment for Cushings Syndrome
resection of tumor
radiation
what is virilization of women
women grow facial hair, fat distribution changes to a more male pattern
why does potassium depletion occur in Cushings Syndrome
some cortisol will cross react and stimulate aldosterone receptors, which causes the body to retain sodium and water and excrete potassium
why does hyperglycemia occur in Cushings Syndrome
steroids increase release of glucose, therefore, Beta cells wear out trying to produce enough insulin to keep up
why does osteoporosis occur in Cushings Syndrome
the ratio of estrogens & progestins to glucocorticoids changes, which causes osteoporosis
why does poor wound healing occur in Cusings Syndrome
steroids decrease inflammatory and immune response
why does muscle wasting occur in Cushings Syndrome
excess cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis from protein to provide energy
Cusings Syndrome can be caused by
intrinsic problems with adrenal cortex
intake of exogenous steroids (cross reactivity)
most common cause of Conn’s Syndrome
benign tumor called aldosteronoma
What population does Conn’s Syndrome typicalls occur in
females age 30-50; rare
causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism
- reduced renal blood flow (renal artery stenosis)
- nephrotic syndrome (end stage renal disease)
- oral contraceptives (induces renal hypertension)
- congestive heart failure
