Adrenocortical Hypofunction

Question 1

What is secondary adrenocortical hypofunction?

Answer 1

• Failure to stimulate the adrenal cortex- hypothalamic, pituitary disorder
• Suppression of adrenal cortex: treatment with steroids

Question 2

Cause of acute adrenocortical hypofunction?

Answer 2

• Rapid withdrawal of steroid treatment
• Crisis in patients with chronic adrenocortical insufficiency
• Massive adrenal haemorrhage

Question 3

Another name for chronic adrenocortical hypofunction?

Answer 3

Addison’s disease

Question 4

3 common causes of chronic adrenocortical hypofunction?

Answer 4

• AI adrenalitis
• Infections: TB, fungal infections, HIV
• Metastatic malignancy: lung, breast

Question 5

2 rare causes of chronic adrenal hypofunction?

Answer 5

• Amyloid sarcoidosis

- Haemochromatosis

Question 6

When do symptoms present?

Answer 6

Once 90% of the gland has been destroyed