Endo Flashcards
most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in the US
Hashimoto disease
MC cause of primary hypothyroidism in the world
iodine deficiency
subclinical hypothyroidism
normal T4 level and high TSH
how often should pts have TSH checked when initiating therapy for hypothyroidism
every 6 weeks after initiating treatment or changing levothyroxine doses
tx for pts who have impaired conversion of T4 to T3 in hypothyroidism
liothyronine therapy in addition to levothyroxine
primary adrenal insufficiency is also called
Addison disease
what is Addison disease
rare condition in which the adrenal cortex is unable to produce enough glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
what is Addison disease caused by
dysfunction or destruction of the adrenal cortex, which is located superior to the kidneys
MC cause of Addison disease
autoimmune adrenalitis
sx chronic Addison disease
weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss, dizziness, and hypotension. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is the most characteristic physical finding of the disease and is typically generalized over the whole body.
sx acute Addison disease (crisis)
result of trauma, infection, surgery, fluid depletion, or noncompliance with medications. Patients in crisis present with severe symptoms, including high fever, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status, and with abdominal symptoms characteristic of an acute abdomen
dx Addison disease
morning serum cortisol level and rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test
High levels of ACTH and low levels of cortisol indicate primary adrenal insufficiency, while low levels of both ACTH and cortisol indicate secondary adrenal insufficiency
electrolyte issues in Addison disease
Hyponatremia in primary adrenal insufficiency is caused by mineralocorticoid and cortisol deficiencies and hyperkalemia is due to decreased mineralocorticoids
hypoglycemia
hypercalcemia
tx Addison disease
lifelong with a combination of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids include prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone. Mineralocorticoid replacement is typically with fludrocortisone.
tx acute adrenal crisis
immediate hydrocortisone, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and correction of electrolyte abnormalities and hypoglycemia
MC cause of hyperthyroidism
Graves disease
other causes of hyperthyroidism
toxic multinodular goiters, toxic adenomas, amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis, and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism
eye stuff seen in graves dz
exophthalmos
tests besides T3, T4, TSH for hyperthyroidism
anti-thyrotropin receptor antibody and a thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin test
If both are positive, it would be significant for Graves disease
tx hyperthyroidism
methimazole or propylthiouracil
preferred tx hyperthyroidism in pregnancy
propylthiouracil
Cushing disease is caused by
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors found in the pituitary gland (most commonly an adenoma and rarely a carcinoma), causing an excess of corticosteroids in the body
sx Cushing syndrome
central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, supraclavicular fat pads, protuberant abdomen, purple striae (around the thighs, breasts, and abdomen), and thin extremities due to muscle atrophy. Other symptoms include hypertension, osteoporosis
Opportunistic bacterial or fungal infections are common, as well as impaired wound healing and easy bruising
dx cushing syndrome
The diagnosis of Cushing syndrome requires the establishment of hypercortisolism in the serum or urine.
Typically, cortisol levels are lower in the evening, so a late-night salivary cortisol test that shows consistently high levels is sensitive and specific for Cushing syndrome.
An overnight (low-dose) dexamethasone suppression test uses the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When dexamethasone is given, a persistently elevated cortisol level in the morning points to Cushing syndrome (normally the HPA axis would be suppressed)
A 24-hour urinary free cortisol that is three times the upper limit of normal is suggestive of Cushing syndrome