Endocrine Lecture Flashcards
Reduced function of anterior lobe of pituitary gland =
Hypopituitarism
Excessive function of anterior lobe of pituitary gland =
Hyperpituitarism
What hormones are affected in pituitary dysfunction?
GH
Gonadotropin
TSH
ACTH
What is the Sequence of Hormone Deficiency in Hypopituitarism ?
Growth hormone →
Gonadotropins →
Thyroid-stimulating hormone →
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
What does GH deficiency cause?
Fatigue in adults
Dwarfism in children
What does Gonadotropin deficiency cause?
Amenorrhoea Erectile dysfunction Testicular atrophy Reduced libido Infertility
What does TSH deficiency cause?
Facial puffiness
Hoarse voice
Bradycardia
Cold intolerance
What does ACTH Deficiency cause?
Fatigue
Intolerance to stress/infection
Hypotension
What does Excessive GH secretion cause?
Gigantism (in children)
Acromegaly (in adults)
What are some features of acromegaly?
Enlarged supra-orbital ridges, prominent jaw and ‘coarse’ fascies
Teeth become widespread and lower jaw may protrude
Hands and feet a broad and ‘spade-like’
Skin is thick and greasy, with excessive perspiration
What are the Consequences of Acromegaly ?
Arthritis, peripheral neuropathies and headaches
Cardiac disease and hypertension
Cancer, particularly GI
Impaired glucose tolerance
Increased prolactin secretion results in
galactorrhoea
Increased ACTH secretion results in
Cushing disease
An increased production and/or secretion of thyroid hormones =
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused by:
thyroid stimulators
autonomous hyperfunction
A decreased production and/or secretion of thyroid hormones =
Hypothyroidism
Graves Disease is a result of:
Hyperthyroidism
Graves Disease is caused by:
autoantibodies which stimulate TSH receptors and cause excessive TSH
What is a Thyroid Storm and what happens to a patient?
A sudden onset of Hyperthyroidism. This occurs due to untreated hyperthyroidism Fever, marked weakness/muscle wasting, extreme restlessness mood swings, Confusion, psychosis, coma, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea
Name 3 symptoms associated with hypothyroidism
Muscle weakness
Myalgia
Arthralgia
What is Myxoedema ?
occurs in chronic Hypothyroidism, where mucopolysaccharides are continuously deposited into the dermis causing swelling
What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis ?
An autoimmune condition causing Inflammation of the thyroid
- usually leads to hypothyroidism and sometimes hyperthyroidism
What are some Characteristics of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Fullness of the throat
Painless enlargement of the thyroid
Hyperparathyroidism can result in:
Hypercalcaemia at the expense of bone mineralisation Osteoporosis Peptic Ulcers Pancreatitis Hypercalcaemia Polyuria Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Muscle weakness
Chronic Hypo-parathyroidism results in:
Dry, scaly skin, brittle nails, coarse hair, candida infections and cataracts
What happens to the levels of calcium in tetany?
They become very low
Describe some characteristics of tetany:
Paraesthesias of the lips, tongue, fingers and feet;
carpopedal spasm;
Generalised myalgia;
spasm of facial muscles
Addisons disease is an example of which type of disorder?
Adrenal
What are some Cushing’s Syndrome Characteristics
Central obesity (limbs remain thin)
“Buffalo hump”
Muscle wasting/weakness
Thin skin (bruising easily) with purple striae
What is Cushing’s Syndrome associated with?
Hypertension, renal stones, osteoporosis, glucose intolerance, reduced infection resistance and mental disturbance
Common Symptoms for all Endocrine Disorders
- Fatigue
- Hypoglycaemia
- Sweating
- Altered consciousness
