Endocrine 1 Flashcards
Adrenal cortex structure and function
Go Fetch Rex, Makes Good Sex
Zona Glomerulosa - Mineralocorticoids - ALDOSTERONE
Zona Fasciculata - Glucocorticoids - CORTISOL
Zona Reticularis - Sex hormones - Androgens - TESTOSTERONE
Renin
Secreted by juxtaglomerular cells
In response to low BP - SNS activation
Converts ANGIOTENSINOGEN to AT1
Angiotensin
AT1 converted to AT2 by ACE (from lungs)
Causes systemic vasoconstriction
Stimulates thirst centres in brain
Causes CV hypertrophy
Stimulates ZG to produce ALDOSTERONE
Aldosterone
Secreted by zona Glomerulosa
Acts on DCT and collecting ducts
Increases SODIUM reabsorption
Increases POTASSIUM excretion
ADH - Vasopressin
Secreted by PP - In response to low BP
Acts on collecting ducts
Increases water reabsorption
Hypervolaemic state
Hypertension
Cardiac distension
Raised AT2
Atrial myocytes secrete ANP
- Vasodilation
- Inhibits RENIN production
Addison’s aetiology
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Primary HYPOaldosteronism - AI
TB
Metastatic disease
HIV
Addison’s presentation
TTTT
Thin, Tanned, Tired, Tearful
N/V
Dizziness
Fatigue
Addison’s investigations
Bloods - U+E, FBC, serum CORTISOL
Short synACTHen test
- Give ACTH
- Should stimulate an increase in CORTISOL
- Will not happen in Addison’s
CT adrenals
Addison’s clinical findings
Low CORTISOL
- HYPOglycaemia
- HYPERpigmentation - Palmar creases, joints, buccal mucosa
Low ANDROGENS
Low BP
Low SODIUM
High POTASSIUM
Metabolic acidosis
Addison’s management
Replace Mineralocorticoids - FLUDROCORTISONE
Replace Glucocorticoids - HYDROCORTISONE
Vaccinations
Addison’s - Adrenal crisis precipitants
Infection
Missed medication
Stress
Surgery
Addison’s - Adrenal crisis presentation
Abdo pain
Cramps
Fatigue
Very low BP - Circulatory collapse
Metabolic acidosis
Addison’s - Adrenal crisis management
IV FLUDROCORTISONE
IV HYDROCORTISONE
Cushing’s aetiology
Gushing CORTISOL
ACTH dependent
- Pituitary tumour - Increased ACTH
- Ectopic - SCLC
ACTH independent
- Adrenal tumour
- Exogenous CORTISOL - Steroids
Cushing’s signs and symptoms
BBIIGGGG
Bone - Osteoporosis and fractures
Blood pressure ^^^
Infections
Irritability
GLUCOSE ^^^
Gynaecomastia
GnRH inhibition - Amenorrhoea
Gluconeogenesis
Cushing’s - Gluconeogenesis signs
Buffalo hump
Moon face
Diabetes
Central obesity
Muscle wasting
Abdominal striae
Thick skin
Bruising
Cushing’s investigations
24hr urinary free CORTISOL
ACTH levels - Low in ACTH independent
DEX suppression test - Low dose
- DEX will not suppress CORTISOL in Cushing’s
DEX - High dose
- Differentiate between pituitary and ectopic
- Suppression of Cortisol = Pituitary problem
- NO suppression of cortisol = Ectopic problem
MRI adrenals
CT pituitary and thorax (SCLC)
Cushing’s management
Treat cause
- Tumour excision
- Steroid reduction
KETOCONAZOLE and METYRAPONE
- Decrease CORTISOL production
Conn’s aetiology
Primary HYPERaldosteronism
Primary - Low RENIN
- Idiopathic
- Adenoma
Secondary - High RENIN
- Chronically low BP
- Cardiac failure
- Liver cirrhosis
Conn’s presentation
High ALDOSTERONE
High BP
High SODIUM
Low POTASSIUM
- Cramps
- Weakness
- Paraesthesia
Metabolic alkalosis
Conn’s investigations
ALDOSTERONE:RENIN ratio
Primary - High ALDOSTERONE and low RENIN
Secondary - High ALDOSTERONE and high RENIN
CT adrenals
Conn’s management
ALDOSTERONE antagonist - SPIRONOLACTONE
HYPERcalcaemia aetiology
METASTASES
MYELOMA
Granulomatous disease
TB/Sarcoidosis
HYPERthyroidism
HYPERparathyroidism
Dehydration
Addison’s
Drugs
- THIAZIDES
- LITHIUM
HYPERcalcaemia presentation
Bones - Bone pain Stones - Renal stones Groans - Abdominal pain Moans - Depression Thrones - Polydipsia, polyuria, constipation
Short QT
HYPERcalcaemia investigations and management
ECG - Short QT!
Calcium profile - Including vitamin D
HyperPTH screen
- PTH ^ - Should be LOW if Calcium ^
- Low phosphate
- Tech-99 scan - PTH gland
Skeletal survey
CXR - TB/sarcoid
Myeloma screen - Protein electrophoresis / ESR
Management
- IV fluids
- IV bisphosphonates
HYPOcalcaemia aetiology
Diet - Vitamin D deficiency
Malabsorption
HYPOparathyroidism - Secondary HYPERparathyroidism
Renal disease
Acute pancreatitis
HYPOcalcaemia presentation
Tetany - Chvostek sign Weakness Paraesthesia - Peri-oral Trosseau's sign- Abnormal hand posturing with BP cuff Long QT