Diagnosis of Adrenal Disorders Flashcards

1
Q

What’s pheochromocytoma?

A

tumor at the adrenal medulla, causing increased release of catecholamine

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2
Q

T/F all steroids have a 5 ring structure

A

False, steroids have a common 4 ring structure

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3
Q

What is the metabolite of cortisol?

A

cortisone

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4
Q

Why do we perform endocrine test before radiology?

A

chances are you’ll find something abnormal on X-ray, but that might be completely unrelated to the endocrine pathology

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5
Q

How do we investigate for suspected Cushing’s?

A

Dexamethasone suppression test, followed by cranial MRI, adrenal CT

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6
Q

T/F Steroids are synthesised upon signalling

A

True

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7
Q

What are the two features near the pituitary gland which can be visualised on radiology?

A

optic chiasm and internal carotids

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8
Q

What’s Addison’s disease?

A

hypocortisolism by autoimmune adrenal destruction (can also be caused by TB)

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9
Q

How does Addison’s cause hyperkalaemia?

A

reduced production of aldosterone, which reduces K+ secretion

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10
Q

What’s the treatment for Addison’s?

A

cortisol and fludrocortisone

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11
Q

What is fludrocortisone?

A

an analogue of aldosterone

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12
Q

What is a superficial diagnostic sign of Addison’s?

A

pigmentation in the gum, or general pigmentation

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13
Q

How does excess androgen cause stunted growth?

A

excess androgen leads to rapid epiphyseal fusion. Although the child is initially taller, the height is eventually less than what it could be

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14
Q

What’s the major cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

A

21-hydroxylase deficiency

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15
Q

What are the three presentations of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in female?

A

infant with ambiguous genitals
premature pubic hair/enlarged clitoris
adolescent hirsutism and acne

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16
Q

We normally don’t notice the sex ambiguity in CAH, so how do babies usually present when they have undiagnosed CAH?

A

adrenal crisis when the baby is between 2-3 weeks old

17
Q

Can we survive without adrenal glands?

A

no, the loss of mineralcorticoids can kill you in days

18
Q

T/F adrenal adenoma is common

A

True, you see it in 5% of people

19
Q

What’s the treatment of pheochromocytoma?

A

surgical removal