Endocrine

Question 1

Addison’s Disease

Answer 1

known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is characterized by progressive failure of the adrenal glands, causing inadequate production of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones.

Question 2

Causes of Addison’s Disease

Answer 2

Most cases of AD (80–90%) result from an autoimmune process that destroys the adrenal glands. Other causes of AD include tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, histoplasmosis, cancer, AIDS, adrenal hemorrhage, adrenal infarction, shock, antiphospholipid syndrome, hemochromatosis, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, fungal infections, some medications (e.g., ketoconazole, etomidate), radiation therapy, and surgical adrenalectomy.