Endocrine Diseases

Question 1

Conn’s Syndrome

Answer 1

Primary Aldosteronism

High Na - Hypertension
Low K - Muscle cramps, spasms, weakness

Low Renin in Conn’s. If Renin is high, secondary hyperaldosteronism

Question 2

Cushing’s Disease

Answer 2

Corticotropic adenoma resulting in high ACTH

Results in increased glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone).

Pituitary origin

Hyperpigmentation due to high amts of ACTH being lysed –> high alpha MSH

Question 3

Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 3

Tumors or Hyperplasia of the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex leading to increased glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone)

Adrenal origin

ACTH levels low due to negative feedback.

Question 4

Addison’s Disease

Answer 4

Hypoadrenalism

Destruction of both adrenals (usually autoimmune)

Deficiency of all adrenal hormones resulting in: weight loss, muscle pain, hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is due to high ACTH levels. Alpha MSH is a product of lysed ACTH.

Question 5

Pheochromocytoma

Answer 5

Tumor in Chromaffin Cells resulting in excessive catecholamines.

Most result in excessive norepinephrine.

Hypertension, arrhythmias

Question 6

Prolactinoma

Answer 6

Tumor of Mammotropes/Lactotropes

Nipple secretion, amenorrhea, sexual dysfunction

Question 7

Gigantism

Answer 7

Excessive growth hormone prior to fusion of growth plates.

Can be caused by somatotropic adenoma

Question 8

Acromegaly

Answer 8

Excessive growth hormone after fusion of growth plates.

Can be caused by somatotropic adenoma.

Question 9

Toxic goiter or Grave’s disease

Answer 9

Hyperthyroidism

Autoimmune, anti-TSH receptor antibodies stimulate follicular cells.

Increased metabolic rate and sympathetic activity. Weight loss, sweating, tachycardia.

Histologically- decreased colloid, follicular epithelium switches from cuboidal to columnar.

Unlike Thyrotropic adenoma, TSH is low

Question 10

Thyrotropic Adenoma

Answer 10

Hyperthyroidism

Due to tumor of thyrotropes.

Increased metabolic rate and sympathetic activity. Weight loss, sweating, tachycardia.

Histologically- decreased colloid, follicular epithelium switches from cuboidal to columnar.

High TSH levels, unlike Graves disease.

Question 11

Sheehan’s Syndrome

Answer 11

Panhypopituitarism resulting from postpartum hemorrhage in women.

Decreased levels of all pituitary hormones. Major effects: Hypothyroidism, low sexual hormones, low glucocorticoids.