Clinical Adrenal Flashcards
Most common cause of adrenal hypofunction
Autoimmune Addison’s
The dysfunction of what enzyme can cause no cortisol and aldosterone
21-hydroxylase
Symptoms of adrenal failure/insufficiency
Weight loss/weakness/anorexia
Changes in pigmentation
Hypotension
unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea
salt cravings
postural hypotension
Explain the pathophysiological reason for adrenal failure/insufficiency symptoms
Lack of aldosterone causes loss of Na absorption. Thus affects water retention in the body
i.e. weight loss do to less fluid in tissues and hypotension as water isn’t staying in the blood
What would you expect to see in blood tests of someone with Adrenal insufficiency
Low sodium
High potassium
What specific test shows Adrenal insufficiency
Rapid ACTH stimulation test
What can be tested to differentiate between primary and secondary Adrenal deficiency and explain the results
Plasma ACTH levels
Primary- high ACTH
Secondary- Low ACTH
Treatment for Addison’s Disease
Hormone replacement
What should Addison’s Patients do if under stress (short illness)
Double they’re dose
Main symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Obesity (abdomen fat and skinny proximal limbs)
High Blood pressure
Glucose intolerance
Main symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Obesity (abdomen fat and skinny proximal limbs)
High Blood pressure
Glucose intolerance
What gland is most likely to be affected in Cushing’s syndrome
Pituitary
Symptoms of Aldosterone secreting tumour
High blood pressure
Water retention
Test would show what with an aldosterone secreting tumour
High aldosterone
low renin
Name of condition of primary hyperaldosteronism
Conns syndrome
