Diseases of Human Systems Flashcards
What is the difference between primary endocrine disease and secondary endocrine disease?
PRIMARY = gland failure
SECONDARY = control failure
Where is the pituitary gland located?
At base of brain & sits in the sella tursica
What can occur if there is abnormal growth of the pituitary gland?
Presses on the optic chiasm & affects vision
What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary gland?
- thyroid stimulating hormone
- growth hormone
- adrenocorticotrophic hormone
- follicle stimulating hormone
What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary gland?
- anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)
- oxytocin
What is the difference between a function pituitary adenoma vs a non functional pituitary adenoma?
Functional - produces an active hormone eg GH causes acromegaly
Non-Functional - space occupying does not secrete hormone, causes visual field defects
How is growth hormone released into the body?
- Hypothalamus secretes GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone)
- Anterior pituitary stimulated & releases growth hormone
What is the result of excess growth hormone production?
In children - gigantism
In adults - acromegaly
What might spacing of teeth & spontaneous changes in occlusion be a sign of?
Acromegaly
What are the general presenting features of acromegaly?
- enlarged supraorbital ridges
- broad nose
- thickened lips
- enlarged hands
- large mandible (class III)
- spacing of teeth
- large tongue
- T2 diabetes
Give some intraoral features of Acromegaly:
- enlarged tongue
- interdental spacing
- ‘shrunk’ dentures
- reverse overbite
Give a type of hyperthyroidism:
Graves disease
- auto antibodies stimulating the TSH receptor, release of more hormone
What are some signs of hyperthyroidism?
- warm moist skin
- tachycardia & atrial fibrillation
- high BP
- tremor
- proptosis of eyes
What are some symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- hot & excess sweating
- weight loss
- diarrhoea
- palpitations
- irritable
- manic
What autoimmune disease may this person be suffering from?
Graves disease (hyperthyroidism)
What is a cause of Hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease
What are some primary forms of Hypothyroidism?
- Hashimotos
- idiopathic atrophy
- thyroidectomy surgery
- iodine deficiency
What are some signs of Hypothyroidism?
- dry coarse skin
- bradycardia
- confusion
- goitre (hashimotos can cause inflammation of thyroid gland)
- delayed reflexes
What are some symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
- tiredness
- cold intolerance
- weight gain
- constipation
- goitre
- puffed face & extremities
- angina
What investigations may be used to look into a pt with suspected thyroid disease?
Blood
- TSH
- T3 & T4
Imaging
- ultrasound scan
- radioisotope scans
Tissue
- biopsy
How is hyperthyroidism treated?
- Carbimazole
- Beta blockers to reduce anxiety, tremors & palpitations
- Radioiodine
- Partial thyroidectomy
How is Hypothyroidism treated?
- Give T4 tablets (thyroxine)
What is T1 diabetes mellitus?
INSULIN DEFICIENCY
- autoimmune destruction of pancreatic B cells
What very dangerous side effect can occur in young people suffering from T1 diabetes?
Ketoacidosis
- body cells cannot access glucose for metabolism so they start to metabolise fat & this results in ketones production (which is acidic!!)