Diagnosis of Adrenal Disorders Flashcards
What’s pheochromocytoma?
tumor at the adrenal medulla, causing increased release of catecholamine
T/F all steroids have a 5 ring structure
False, steroids have a common 4 ring structure
What is the metabolite of cortisol?
cortisone
Why do we perform endocrine test before radiology?
chances are you’ll find something abnormal on X-ray, but that might be completely unrelated to the endocrine pathology
How do we investigate for suspected Cushing’s?
Dexamethasone suppression test, followed by cranial MRI, adrenal CT
T/F Steroids are synthesised upon signalling
True
What are the two features near the pituitary gland which can be visualised on radiology?
optic chiasm and internal carotids
What’s Addison’s disease?
hypocortisolism by autoimmune adrenal destruction (can also be caused by TB)
How does Addison’s cause hyperkalaemia?
reduced production of aldosterone, which reduces K+ secretion
What’s the treatment for Addison’s?
cortisol and fludrocortisone
What is fludrocortisone?
an analogue of aldosterone
What is a superficial diagnostic sign of Addison’s?
pigmentation in the gum, or general pigmentation
How does excess androgen cause stunted growth?
excess androgen leads to rapid epiphyseal fusion. Although the child is initially taller, the height is eventually less than what it could be
What’s the major cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
21-hydroxylase deficiency
What are the three presentations of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in female?
infant with ambiguous genitals
premature pubic hair/enlarged clitoris
adolescent hirsutism and acne
We normally don’t notice the sex ambiguity in CAH, so how do babies usually present when they have undiagnosed CAH?
adrenal crisis when the baby is between 2-3 weeks old
Can we survive without adrenal glands?
no, the loss of mineralcorticoids can kill you in days
T/F adrenal adenoma is common
True, you see it in 5% of people
What’s the treatment of pheochromocytoma?
surgical removal
