Disorders of the Adrenal Glands Flashcards
clinical manifestations (S&S) due to hypercortisolism (excessive glucocorticoids)
cushing syndrome
what is the most common cause of cushing syndrome?
exogenous steroid drugs
what is the most common cause of spontaneous cushing syndrome?
cushing disease
what is the 2nd most common cause of cushing syndrome?
adrenal tumor
ACTH hypersecretion by the pituitary due to very small benign pituitary adenoma
cushing disease
a patient presents with central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, purple striae, slow wound healing, muscle weakness, depression, hypertension, DM, menstrual irregularities, and decreased libido. what are they likely experiencing?
Cushing syndrome
what are 2 screening tests for Cushing syndrome?
dexamethasone suppression test
24 hr urine of cortisol and creatinine
what level of ACTH after a dexamethasone suppression test would indicate positive Cushing syndrome?
over 5
where is the problem if serum ACTH is low? what would we order?
adrenal glands
CT of adrenal
where is the problem if serum ACTH is high? what would we order?
pituitary gland
MRI of pituitary
what are 2 things that could cause high serum ACTH?
pituitary tumor
ectopic tumor
what would labs look like in Cushing syndrome? (5)
elevated serum + urine cortisol
ACTH varies
glycosuria
leukocytosis
hypokalemia
what is the treatment for Cushing Disease/ACTH dependent?
transphenoidal selective resection of pituitary adenoma
what is the treatment for an adrenal adenoma/ACTH independent?
unilateral adrenalectomy
what can patients develop with resection of pituitary, ectopic tumor, or adrenalectomy? what will the patient need?
cortisol withdrawal
hydrocortisone
what is the treatment for hypercortisolism when surgery is delayed, CI, or unsuccessful?
“block and replace”
adrenal enzyme inhibitor (ketoconazole) - block
hydrocortisone - replace
when the adrenal cortex is absent, destroyed, or dysfunctional and cannot make cortisol or aldosterone
primary adrenal insufficiency (AKA Addison Disease)
what is the most common cause of Addison Disease in the US?
autoimmune destruction
what is the most common cause of Addison Disease in the rest of the world?
infectious TB
a patient presents with fatigue, anorexia, N/V/D, headache, abdominal pain, weight loss, arthralgias, depression, and salt cravings. they also have hypotension and tachycardia. what are they likely experiencing?
primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison)