Disease of the pituitary glands Flashcards
What is benign pituitary adenoma
Adenoma - a benign tumour from glandular structures in the epithelium
Symptoms of benign pituitary adenoma
- Hormone hyper secretion
- Visual problems
- Hypopituitarism
- Erectile dysfunction
- Headache
What is craniopharyngioma
Tumour of the pituitary gland embryonic tissue
Symptom of craniopharyngioma
Bitemporal hemaniopsia (missing outer parts of vision)
Hydrocephalus
CSF leak
What is Sheehans
Pituitary infarctions after labour
What is hypopituitarism
Reduced secretion by the pituitary glands
Symptoms of hypopituitarism in males
- Pale, no body hair and central obesity
Symptoms of hypopituitarism in females
Loose body hair
Sallow complexion
What is a sallow complexion
losing natural complexion
What is prolactinoma
Increased Prolactin
Symptoms of prolactinoma
Increased milk production in breast
Galactorrhea
Reduced fertility
Amenorrhoea
Define amenorrhoea
Menstruation stops
Define galactorrhea
Seeping out of milk
How is Prolactinoma treated
Using a dopamine agonist which inhibits prolactin release (CABERGOLINE)
What is Acromegaly
Increased GH
Symptoms of acromegaly
Thick, greasy and sweaty skin
Enlarged Organs
Why is acromegaly dangerous
Increased heart size can result in heart disease
What is Cushing’s syndrome
Increased CTH production
TOO MUCH CORTISOL
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Central Obesity
Brushing, think skin, osteoporosis, ulcers and stretch marks (purple)
Definition of Diabetes Mellitus
- Syndrome of chronic hyperglycaemia due to relative insulin deficiency, resistance or both
What can hyperglycaemia result in
Serious microvascular or microvascular problems
What is the normal blood glucose levels
Between 3.5-8.0mmol/L under all conditions
What characterises Cushing’s disease
- INCREASED ACTH
OR
- INCREASED CH
What causes Cushing’s disease
- PITUITARY ADENOMA (pituitary basophilism)