Diabetes Insipidus: Causes

Question 1

Diabetes Insipidus: Causes

A. Vasopressin deficiency (ADH deficiency) due to:

Answer 1

1. Abnormalities in the hypothalamus and primary gland from familial or idiopathic causes primarily diabetes insipidus
2. Destruction of the gland by tumors in the
   hypothalamopituitary region, trauma, infectious process, vascular accidents or metastatic tumors from breast or lung (secondary diabetes insipidus)
3. Medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), alcohol, and lithium carbonate

Question 2

Diabetes Insipidus: Causes

B. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Answer 2

1. Owing to an inherited defect, the kidney tubules cannot reabsorb water
2. This condition also may develop secondary to potassium depletion or pyelonephritis.