B3 Endocrine pathology Flashcards
Anterior Pituitary:
What is a pituitary adenoma?
A benign tumor of the anterior pituitary cells that can be functional (hormone-producing) or non-functional (no hormones)
A benign tumor of the anterior pituitary cells that can be functional (hormone-producing) or non-functional (no hormones)
pituitary adenoma
What is a non-functional anterior pituitary adenoma?
Presents with:
1) Bitemporal hemianopsia (compressed optic chiasm)
2) Hypopituitarism (compressed normal pituitary tissue)
3) Headaches
Presents with:
1) Bitemporal hemianopsia (compressed optic chiasm)
2) Hypopituitarism (compressed normal pituitary tissue)
3) Headaches
non-functional anterior pituitary adenoma
What is a functional anterior pituitary adenoma?
Tumors that secrete hormones & are dependent on the kinds of hormones they produce
Prolactinoma, Growth hormone cell adenoma, ACTH cell adenomas, LH adenomas, FSH adenomas & TSH cell adenoma etc
Tumors that secrete hormones & are dependent on the kinds of hormones they produce
Prolactinoma, Growth hormone cell adenoma, ACTH cell adenomas, LH adenomas, FSH adenomas & TSH cell adenoma etc
functional anterior pituitary adenoma
What is a prolactinoma?
The most common functional adenoma of the anterior pituitary gland. It presents with:
1) Galactorrhea
2) Amenorrhea (females)
3) Low libido (men)
4) Headaches
The most common functional adenoma of the anterior pituitary gland. It presents with:
1) Galactorrhea
2) Amenorrhea (females)
3) Low libido (men)
4) Headaches
prolactinoma
How do you treat a prolactinoma?
1) Dopamine agonists like bromocriptine or cabergoline to suppress prolactin production to shrink the tumor
2) Surgery to remove larger lesions
1) Dopamine agonists like bromocriptine or cabergoline to suppress prolactin production to shrink the tumor
2) Surgery to remove larger lesions
Are the treatment options for which tumor?
prolactinoma
How does a Growth hormone cell adenoma present in children?
In children in presents as gigantism
1) Increased linear growth epiphyses that aren’t fused
In children it presents as gigantism
1) Increased linear growth epiphyses that aren’t fused
Growth hormone cell adenoma present in children
How does a Growth hormone cell adenoma present in adults?
In adults it presents as acromegaly
1) Enlarged bones (hands, feet, & jaw)
2) Enlarged organs causing dysfunction (Organomegaly i.e cardiac failure)
3) Enlarged tongue (macroglossia)
4) Secondary Diabetes Mellitus (GH induces liver gluconeogenesis)
In adults it presents as acromegaly
1) Enlarged bones (hands, feet, & jaw)
2) Enlarged organs causing dysfunction (Organomegaly i.e cardiac failure)
3) Enlarged tongue (macroglossia)
4) Secondary Diabetes Mellitus (GH induces liver gluconeogenesis)
Growth hormone cell adenoma present in adults
What are the treatment options for Growth Hormone cell adenoma?
1) Octreotide (a somatostatin analog that suppresses GH levels)
2) GH receptor antagonists
3) Surgery
1) Octreotide (a somatostatin analog that suppresses GH levels)
2) GH receptor antagonists
3) Surgery
Are treatment options for which type of tumor?
Growth Hormone cell adenoma
Acromegaly (adults) or Gigantism (children) presents with elevated GH & IGF1 that can’t be suppressed by oral glucose indicates which condition?
Growth hormone cell adenoma
What is an ACTH cell adenoma?
It secretes too much ACTH (elevated cortisol) causing cushing syndrome
It secretes too much ACTH (elevated cortisol) causing cushing syndrome
ACTH cell adenoma
What is Hypopituitarism?
When there’s insufficient hormone production by the anterior pituitary gland. Symptoms start appearing when over 75% of the pituitary parenchyma is lost
When there’s insufficient hormone production by the anterior pituitary gland. Symptoms start appearing when over 75% of the pituitary parenchyma is lost
Hypopituitarism
What are 4 things that can cause Hypopituitarism?
1) Pituitary adenomas (adults)
2) Craniopharyngiomas (children)
3) Sheehan syndrome (preggos)
4) Empty sella syndrome
1) Pituitary adenomas (adults)
2) Craniopharyngiomas (children)
3) Sheehan syndrome (preggos)
4) Empty sella syndrome
Can all cause which condition?
Hypopituitarism
How can pituitary adenomas (adults) & Craniopharyngiomas (children) cause hypopituitarism?
They cause a mass effect of pituitary apoplexy (bleeding into the adenoma)
What is Sheehan syndrome & why does it cause hypopituitarism?
A condition in pregnancy that causes the pituitary gland to enlarge & then have blood loss during parturition which worsens the infarct. It presents as:
1) Poor lactation
2) Loss of pubic hair
3) Fatigue
A condition in pregnancy that causes the pituitary gland to enlarge & then have blood loss during parturition which worsens the infarct. It presents as:
1) Poor lactation
2) Loss of pubic hair
3) Fatigue
Sheehan syndrome in pregnancy causing hypopituitarism
What is Empty Sella syndrome & how does it cause hypopituitarism?
A congenital Sella defect that causes the arachnoid & CSF to herniate into the sella which compresses the pituitary gland destroying it
Imaging shows an empty sella (absent pituitary)
A congenital Sella defect that causes the arachnoid & CSF to herniate into the Sella which compresses the pituitary gland destroying it
Imaging shows an empty Sella (absent pituitary)
Empty Sella syndrome
What is Central Diabetes Insipidus?
ADH deficiency caused by issues with the hypothalamic or posterior pituitary resulting in free water loss (trauma/inf/inflam/tumor)
Presents with:
1) Polyuria & Polydipsia
2) Hypernatremia & high serum osmolality
3) Low urine osmolality & specific gravity
Tests:
Water deprivation doesn’t increase urine osmolality
Rx. Give desmopressin (an ADH analog)
ADH deficiency caused by issues with the hypothalamic or posterior pituitary resulting in free water loss (trauma/inf/inflam/tumor)
Presents with:
1) Polyuria & Polydipsia
2) Hypernatremia & high serum osmolality
3) Low urine osmolality & specific gravity
Tests:
Water deprivation doesn’t increase urine osmolality
Rx. Give desmopressin (an ADH analog)
Central Diabetes Insipidus
Low levels of ADH & a water deprivation doesn’t increase urine osmolality, what is the condition?
Central Diabetes insipidus
What is Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus?
Impaired renal response to ADH (normal release) because of inherited mutations or as a side effect of drugs (lithium or demeclocycline)
Same signs as CDI:
1) Polyuria & Polydipsia
2) Hypernatremia & high serum osmolality
3) Low urine osmolality & specific gravity
But there is NO response to desmopressin
Impaired renal response to ADH (normal release) because of inherited mutations or as a side effect of drugs (lithium or demeclocycline)
Same signs as CDI:
1) Polyuria & Polydipsia
2) Hypernatremia & high serum osmolality
3) Low urine osmolality & specific gravity
But there is NO response to desmopressin
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
What is SIADH?
Excessive secretion of ADH from the posterior pituitary that is usually due to small cell carcinoma of the lung (others being CNS trauma, pulmonary infection or drugs (cyclophosphamide)). That results in the retention of free water.
Presents as:
1) Hyponatremia & low serum osmolality
2) Mental status changes & seizures
(too much free water causes neuronal swelling & cerebral edema)
Rx:
Free water restriction or Demeclocycline
Excessive secretion of ADH from the posterior pituitary that is usually due to small cell carcinoma of the lung (others being CNS trauma, pulmonary infection or drugs (cyclophosphamide)). That results in the retention of free water.
Presents as:
1) Hyponatremia & low serum osmolality
2) Mental status changes & seizures
(too much free water causes neuronal swelling & cerebral edema)
Rx:
Free water restriction or Demeclocycline
SIADH
What is a thyroglossal duct?
It is cystic dilation of the thyroglossal duct remnant in the thyroid gland that presents as an anterior neck mass
It is cystic dilation of the thyroglossal duct remnant in the thyroid gland that presents as an anterior neck mass
thyroglossal duct
What is a lingual thyroid?
It is the persistence of thyroid tissue at the base of the tongue that presents as a base of tongue mass
It is the persistence of thyroid tissue at the base of the tongue that presents as a base of tongue mass
lingual thyroid
What is Hyperthyroidism?
What is it:
What are the symptoms:
A dysfunctional thyroid gland causes elevated T3 & T4 (despite low TSH). This causes
1) Increased BMR due to increased synthesis of Na+/K+ ATPase
2) Increased sympathetic nervous system activity due to elevated B1 adrenergic receptors
1) Weight loss (despite a good appetite)
2) Heat intolerance & sweating
3) Tachycardia & increased CO
4) Arrythmias (A fIb esp in elderly)
5) Tremors, Anxiety, Insomnia
6) Staring gaze with lid lag
7) Diarrhea & malabsorption
8) Oligomenorrhea
9) Bone resorption with hypercalcemia
10) Muscle mass wasting & weakness
11) Hypocholesterolemia
12) Hyperglycemia (increased gluconeogenesis & glycogenolysis)
A dysfunctional thyroid gland causes elevated T3 & T4 (despite low TSH). This causes
1) Increased BMR due to increased synthesis of Na+/K+ ATPase
2) Increased sympathetic nervous system activity due to elevated B1 adrenergic receptors
1) Weight loss (despite a good appetite)
2) Heat intolerance & sweating
3) Tachycardia & increased CO
4) Arrythmias (A fIb esp in elderly)
5) Tremors, Anxiety, Insomnia
6) Staring gaze with lid lag
7) Diarrhea & malabsorption
8) Oligomenorrhea
9) Bone resorption with hypercalcemia
10) Muscle mass wasting & weakness
11) Hypocholesterolemia
12) Hyperglycemia (increased gluconeogenesis & glycogenolysis)
Hyperthyroidism
What is a possible complication of hyperthyroidism (regarding the bones)?
Osteoporosis
What causes Exophthalmos & Pretibial Myxedema in Graves disease?
Fibroblasts behind the orbit & overlying the shin express TSH receptors. When activated they cause a buildup of glycosaminoglycans (made of chondroitin sulfate & hyaluronic acid), inflammation, fibrosis, & edema leading to both exophthalmos & pretibial myxedema
Increased uptake of 131I aka hot nodule would indicate which 2 possible conditions?
Graves or a nodular goiter
A type 2 hypersensitivity reaction where the body makes autoantibodies (IgG) that stimulate TSH receptors increasing thyroid hormone levels. It usually happens in women 20-40yrs & it’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
Presents with:
1) Hyperthyroidism
2) Diffuse goiter
3) Exophthalmos & Pretibial myxedema
Histology shows:
1) irregular follicles with scalloped colloid
2) chronic inflammation in the thyroid gland
Labs show:
1) Elevated total & free T4
2) Hypocholesterolemia
3) Elevated serum glucose
Rx B-blockers, Thioamide, & Radioiodine ablation
Complication:
Thyroid storm
Graves disease
Graves disease
What is it:
What are the symptoms:
What are the histological findings:
What are the lab findings:
What are the treatment options:
What is a complication of the condition:
A type 2 hypersensitivity reaction where the body makes autoantibodies (IgG) that stimulate TSH receptors increasing thyroid hormone levels. It usually happens in women 20-40yrs & it’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
Presents with:
1) Hyperthyroidism
2) Diffuse goiter
3) Exophthalmos & Pretibial myxedema
Histology shows:
1) irregular follicles with scalloped colloid
2) chronic inflammation in the thyroid gland
Labs show:
1) Elevated total & free T4
2) Hypocholesterolemia
3) Elevated serum glucose
Rx B-blockers, Thioamide, & Radioiodine ablation
Complication:
Thyroid storm
What is a thyroid storm?
What is it:
What are the symptoms:
What are the treatment options:
Elevated catecholamines & massive excess of hormones in response to stress. It presents as:
1) Arrythmia
2) Hyperthermia
3) Vomiting with hypovolemic shock
Treatment:
Propylthiouracil (reduces T4 conversion to T3), B-blockers, & steroids
Elevated catecholamines & massive excess of hormones in response to stress. It presents as:
1) Arrythmia
2) Hyperthermia
3) Vomiting with hypovolemic shock
Treatment:
Propylthiouracil (reduces T4 conversion to T3), B-blockers, & steroids
Thyroid storm
What is a multinodular goiter?
what is it:
What is a rare complication:
An enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules caused by iodine deficiency it is usually non-toxic (euthyroid)
Complication:
rarely progresses to a toxic goiter
An enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules caused by iodine deficiency it is usually non-toxic (euthyroid)
Complication:
rarely progresses to a toxic goiter
Multinodular goiter
What is a toxic goiter?
A rare complication of Multinodular goiter that occurs when regions of the thyroid can become TSH independent causing elevated T4 & hyperthyroidism
A rare complication of Multinodular goiter that occurs when regions of the thyroid can become TSH independent causing elevated T4 & hyperthyroidism
Toxic goiter
What is cretinism?
What are the symptoms:
What are the causes:
Hypothyroidism in neonates or infants that presents as:
1) Mental retardation
2) Short stature & skeletal anomalies
3) Coarse facial features
4) Macroglossia (enlarged tongue)
5) Umbilical hernia
Causes:
1) Maternal hypothyroidism during early pregnancy
2) Thyroid agenesis (neonate/infant)
3) Dyshormonogenetic goiter (congenital issue with thyroid peroxidase)
4) Iodine deficiency
Hypothyroidism in neonates or infants that presents as:
1) Mental retardation
2) Short stature & skeletal anomalies
3) Coarse facial features
4) Macroglossia (enlarged tongue)
5) Umbilical hernia
Causes:
1) Maternal hypothyroidism during early pregnancy
2) Thyroid agenesis (neonate/infant)
3) Dyshormonogenetic goiter (congenital issue with thyroid peroxidase)
4) Iodine deficiency
Cretinism
Hypothyroidism in adults & older children causing a lower BMR & reduced sympathetic activity
Presents with:
1) Weight gain (despite normal appetite)
2) Slowed mental activity
3) Muscle weakness
4) Cold intolerance & reduced sweating
5) Bradycardia with reduced CO (SOB)
6) Oligomenorrhea
7) Hypercholesterolemia
8) Constipation
It is most commonly caused by Iodine deficiency & Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Other causes include drugs (lithium), surgery, & radio ablation of the thyroid
Myxedema
Myxedema
What is it:
What are the symptoms
What causes it:
Hypothyroidism in adults & older children causing a lower BMR & reduced sympathetic activity
Presents with:
1) Weight gain (despite normal appetite)
2) Slowed mental activity
3) Muscle weakness
4) Cold intolerance & reduced sweating
5) Bradycardia with reduced CO (SOB)
6) Oligomenorrhea
7) Hypercholesterolemia
8) Constipation
Causes:
Iodine deficiency & Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Other causes include drugs (lithium), surgery, & radio ablation of the thyroid
Hashimoto thyroiditis
What is it:
What are the symptoms:
What are the histological findings:
What is a complication:
It is autoimmune destruction of the thyroid that is associated with an HLA-DR5 genotype. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in places with enough iodine
Presents with:
1) Starts as hyperthyroidism (because of follicle damage) that progresses to hypothyroidism (low T4 & high TSH)
2) Antithyroglobulin & Antithyroid peroxidase present (indicates thyroid damage)
Histology shows:
1) Chronic inflammation
2) Germinal centers
3) Hurthle cells
Complications:
A higher risk of B cell (marginal zone) lymphoma
It is autoimmune destruction of the thyroid that is associated with an HLA-DR5 genotype. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in places with enough iodine
Presents with:
1) Starts as hyperthyroidism (because of follicle damage) that progresses to hypothyroidism (low T4 & high TSH)
2) Antithyroglobulin & Antithyroid peroxidase present (indicates thyroid damage)
Histology shows:
1) Chronic inflammation
2) Germinal centers
3) Hurthle cells
Complications:
A higher risk of B cell (marginal zone) lymphoma
Hashimoto thyroiditis
What genotype is Hashimoto thyroiditis most commonly associated with?
HLA-DR5 genotype
What is subacute granulomatous (De Quervain) thyroiditis?
What is a complication:
Granulomatous thyroiditis after a viral infection. It is usually self limiting & presents as a tender thyroid with transient hyperthyroidism
A rare complication is that it can progress to hypothyroidism
Granulomatous thyroiditis after a viral infection. It is usually self limiting & presents as a tender thyroid with transient hyperthyroidism
A rare complication is that it can progress to hypothyroidism
subacute granulomatous (De Quervain) thyroiditis
What is Riedel Fibrosing Thyroiditis?
It is chronic inflammation & fibrosis of the thyroid making it non-tender & “hard as wood”. It can mimin anaplastic carcinoma (but there’s no malignant cells & these patients are younger ~40yrs)
Complication, is that it can spread to local structures (airway)
It is chronic inflammation & fibrosis of the thyroid making it non-tender & “hard as wood”. It can mimin anaplastic carcinoma (but there’s no malignant cells & these patients are younger ~40yrs)
Complication, is that it can spread to local structures (airway)
Riedel Fibrosing Thyroiditis
Which conditions would have decreased uptake of 131I aka a cold nodule?
adenoma or carcinoma (biopsy is warranted)
What is a follicular adenoma?
Benign proliferation of the follicles surrounded by a fibrous capsule (usually non-functional but not always)