Endocrinology Flashcards
what is addison’s disease
autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands resulting in primary hypoadrenalism
results in low cortisol and low aldosterone
what are the symptoms of addison’s disease
- symptoms:
- lethargy
- weakness
- anorexia
- nausea & vomiting
- weight loss,
what are the signs of addison’s disease
- hyperpigmentation (especially palmar creases)
- note that secondary adrenal insufficiency does not cause hyperpigmentation
- vitiligo
- loss of pubic hair in women
- hypotension
- hypoglycaemia
- hyperkalaemia
- hyponatraemia
- addisonian crisis;
- shock
- collapse
non-autoimmune causes of hypoadrenalism
- Primary causes
- tuberculosis
- metastases (e.g. bronchial carcinoma)
- meningococcal septicaemia (Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome)
- HIV
- antiphospholipid syndrome
- Secondary causes
pituitary disorders (e.g. tumours, irradiation, infiltration)
management of addison’s disease
- need glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid therapy
- hydrocortisone: usually given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Patients typically require 20-30 mg per day, with the majority given in the first half of the day
- fludrocortisone
patient education in addison’s
- emphasise importance of not missing dose of glucocorticoid
- give injections of hydrocortisone to be administered in the case of crisis
- if there is intercurrent illness:
- double the glucocorticoid dose
- keep fludrocortisone dose the same
what is the definitive diagnostic investigation for addison’s
ACTH stimulation test (short Synacthen test). Plasma cortisol is measured before and 30 minutes after giving Synacthen
what addison’s investigations can you do if the synacthen test is unavailable
- Adrenal autoantibodies such as anti-21-hydroxylase
- 9am serum cortisol
- > 500 nmol/l makes Addison’s very unlikely
- < 100 nmol/l is definitely abnormal
- 100-500 nmol/l should prompt a ACTH stimulation test to be performed
what are the associated electrolyte abnormalities of addison’s
- hyperkalaemia
- hyponatraemia
- hypoglycaemia
- metabolic acidosis
causes of addisonian crisis
- sepsis or surgery causing an acute exacerbation of chronic insufficiency (Addison’s, Hypopituitarism)
- Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (fulminant meningococcemia)
- steroid withdrawal
what is the management of addisonian crisis?
- hydrocortisone 100 mg im or iv
- 1 litre normal saline infused over 30-60 mins or with dextrose if hypoglycaemic
- continue hydrocortisone 6 hourly until the patient is stable. No fludrocortisone is required because high cortisol exerts weak mineralocorticoid action
- oral replacement may begin after 24 hours and be reduced to maintenance over 3-4 days
what is waterhouse-friderichsen syndrome
Patients with meningococcal meningitis are at risk of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenal haemorrhage).
what is the most common cause of cushing’s sydnrome
steroid therapy
causes of cushing’s syndrome
- ACTH dependent causes
- cushing’s disease (80%) - ACTH secreting pituitary tumour causes adrenal hyperplasia
- ectopic ACTH production (5-10%): e.g. small cell lung cancer is the most common causes
- ACTH independent causes
- steroid therapy
- adrenal adenoma
what is pseudo cushings
- mimics Cushing’s
- often due to alcohol excess or severe depression
- causes false positive dexamethasone suppression test or 24 hr urinary free cortisol
- insulin stress test may be used to differentiate
what test for cushing’s syndrome
- overnight dexamethasone suppression test
- if a patient has cushing’s syndrome they will not have their morning cortisol spike suppressed
how do you find out if the cause of cushings is ACTH dependent or independent
9am and midnight plasma ACTH (and cortisol) levels. If ACTH is suppressed then a non-ACTH dependent cause is likely such as an adrenal adenoma
what is MODY
maturity onset diabetes of the young
A group of inherited disorders that result in relatively young patients developing symptoms similar to T2DM
i.e. asymptomatic hyperglycaemia with progression to more severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis
what is LADA
Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults
patients often diagnosed as having type two diabetes
what are the diagnostic criteria for diabetes as they relate to fasting blood glucose and HbaA1c
How does metformin work, what are he main side effects and what are the contraindications
- how does it work?
- increases insulin sensitivity
- decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis
- what are the main side effects?
- lactic acidosis
- GI upset
- what are the contraindications?
- eGFR <30
How do sulfonylureas work?
they stimulate the pancreatic beta cells to produce more insulin
what is an example of a sulfonylurea
glipizide
gliclazide
glimepiride
what are the side effects of sulfonylureas
hypoglycaemia
weight gain
hyponatraemia
how do Thiazolidinediones work
they are for treatment of diabetes
they promote adipogenesis and fatty acid uptake
e.g. pioglitazone
what is an example of a thiazolindinedione
pioglitazone is the only one available
what are the side effects of pioglitazone
Weight gain
Fluid retention
how do DPP-4 inhibitors work
they increase incretin levels which inhibit glucagon secretion
what do DPP-4 inhibitor drugs end in
-gliptin
what is an example of a dpp-4 inhibitor
sitagliptin
how do SGLT-2 inhibitors work
Inhibits reabsorption of glucose in the kidney
what are the main side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors
urinary tract infections and weight loss
what do the drug names of SGLT2 inhibitors end in
-gliflozin
what is an example of an SGLT2 inhibitor
Dapagliflozin
Canagliflozin
how do GLP-1 antagonists work?
they are incretin mimetics and therefore they inhibit glucagon
what do GLP-1 antagonist drugs end in
-tide
what is an example of a GLP-1 antagonist
Dulaglutide
Exenatide
what are the side effects of GLP-1 antagonists
- subcut injections so side effects of sc injection
- nausea
- vomiting
- pancreatitis
draw the flow chart of T2DM drug treatment
which antibodies may be present in T1DM
- Anti-GAD
- present in 80% T1DM patients
- Islet cell antibodies (ICA)
- presentin 70-80% T1DM patients
- Insulin auto antibodies
- found in over 90% of young children with T1DM but only 60% of older patients
what are the diagnostic criteria for T1DM
- fasting glucose greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol/l
- random glucose greater than or equal to 11.1 mmol/l (or after 75g oral glucose tolerance test)
IF THE PATIENT IS ASYMPTOMATIC THEN THIS NEEDS TO BE DEMONSTRATED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS
If there is ambiguity over whether it is T1DM or T2DM then what could you do
test fo c peptide and/or diabetes specific auto-antibodies
how often should HbA1c be monitored in patients with T1DM and what should the target be
- should be monitored every 3-6 months
- adults should have a target of HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or lower
what is the recommended blood glucose monitoring for T1DM
- recommend testing at least 4 times a day, including before each meal and before bed
- more frequent monitoring is recommended if frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases; during periods of illness; before, during and after sport; when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
what are the blood glucose targets for T1DM
- 5-7 mmol/l on waking and
- 4-7 mmol/l before meals at other times of the day
when should you add metformin in T1DM
If BMI >25
what are the different types of insulin and what are their onset, peak and duration?
two examples of rapid acting insulin
- insulin aspart: NovoRapid
- insulin lispro: Humalog
two examples of short acting insulin
Actrapid
Humulin S
two examples of long-acting insulin
- insulin determir (Levemir): given once or twice daily
- insulin glargine (Lantus): given once daily
why is it important to rotate injection sites when adnministering insulin
to prevent lipodystrophy
how do insulin pumps work
they deliver a continuous basal infusion and a patient-activated bolus dose at meal times.
what are the key sick day rules
- increase blood glucose monitoring to four hourly
- if struggling to eat then try sugary drinks
- if taking oral hypoglycaemics then continue them even if you’re not eating much
- the exception is metformin which should be stopped if the patient becomes dehydrated → renal function
- keep a mobile phone by you
- try and drink 3L of water per day
what are the most common precipitating factors in DKA
MI
Infection
Missed insulin doses
diagnostic criteria for DKA
- glucose > 11 mmol/l or known diabetes mellitus
- pH < 7.3
- bicarbonate < 15 mmol/l
- ketones > 3 mmol/l or urine ketones ++ on dipstick
management of DKA
- Fluid replacement
- normal saline
- once blood glucose <15 start infusion of 5% dextrose
- Insulin 0.1 unit/kg/hr
- their short acting insulin should be stopped
- their long acting insulin should be continued
- Electrolyte correction
- if the rate of potassium infusion is greater than 20 mmol/hour then cardiac monitoring may be required
how do you decide what concentration of potassium to give patients when they need replacement in DKA
what is the amount of fluid that patients in DKA typically need and how fast would you give this
patients in DKA are usually deplete around 5-8 litres
see picture for how fast to replace this
note that younger adults may need slower infusions as they are at greater risk of cerebral oedema
what is the definition of DKA resolution
- pH >7.3 and
- blood ketones < 0.6 mmol/L and
- bicarbonate > 15.0mmol/L
a HbA1c of above what is diagnostic of diabetes
>48 (6.5%)
note this is only the case for T2DM
should also not be used in conditions relating to increased red cell turnover such as untreated iron deficiency anaemia
what are the HbA1c targets in a patient with T2DM
48
if they are on sulfonylurea then their target should be 53
if they are not meeting their target then you can up the dose of their drugs but only add another drug when the HbA1c is >58
if triple therapy in diabetes isn’t working you can start them on combination therapy with metformin, a sulfonylurea and a glucagon-like peptide1 (GLP1) mimetic if:
- BMI >= 35 kg/m² or
- BMI < 35 kg/m² and for whom insulin therapy would have significant occupational implications or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities
- only continue if there is a reduction of at least 11 mmol/mol [1.0%] in HbA1c and a weight loss of at least 3% of initial body weight in 6 month
give an example of an intermediate acting insulin
- isophane insulin
what is the first line antihypertensive in patients with diabetes
- ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are first-line
- an ARB is preferred if the patient has a black African or African–Caribbean family origin
what are the blood pressure targets for people with diabetes
same as for patients without diabetes
how frequently should patients with diabetes be screened for diabetic foot disease
annually
what are the two types of diabetic neuropathy
peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy
analgesia for diabetic neuropathy
- first-line treatment: duloxetine, duloxetine, gabapentin or pregabalin
- if the first-line drug treatment does not work try one of the other 3 drugs
- tramadol may be used as ‘rescue therapy’ for exacerbations of neuropathic pain
- topical capsaicin may be used for localised neuropathic pain (e.g. post-herpetic neuralgia)
how frequently should patiets with diabetes be screened for nephropathy and how
- screened annually using urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR)
- should be an early morning specimen
- ACR > 2.5 = microalbuminuria
how do you manage diabetic nephropathy
- dietary protein restriction
- tight glycaemic control
- BP control: aim for < 130/80 mmHg
- ACE inhibitor or angiotensin-II receptor antagonist
- should be start if urinary ACR of 3 mg/mmol or more
- dual therapy with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor antagonist should not be started
- control dyslipidaemia e.g. Statins
how to treat hypoglycaemia in a hospital setting
- If the patient is alert, a quick-acting carbohydrate may be given (as above)
- If the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection glucagon may be given.
- Alternatively, intravenous 20% glucose solution may be given through a large vein
how to treat hypoglycaemia in the community
- a quick-acting carbohydrate may be given: GlucoGel or Dextrogel.
- A ‘HypoKit’ may be prescribed which contains a syringe and vial of glucagon for IM or SC injection at home
what is the pathophysiology of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
- severe hyperglycaemia causes diuresis and loss of Na+ and k+
- there is increased osmolarity of the blood and associated hyperviscosity
- the typical patient with HHS, may not look as dehydrated as they are, because hypertonicity leads to preservation of intravascular volume.
clinical features of HSS
- General: fatigue, nausea and vomiting
- Neurological: papilloedema, decreased GCS, weakness, headaches
- Cardiovascular: dehydration, hypotension
- Haematological: hyperviscosity may lead to MI, stroke etc
how do you estimate serum osmolality
serum osmolality = 2 x Na+ + glucose + urea
what are the rough fluid losses in HSS
100 - 220 ml/kg (e.g. 10-22 litres in an individual weighing 100 kg).
What fluid should you use in HSS
0.9% sodium chloride solution is already relatively hypotonic compared to the serum in someone with HHS. Therefore in most cases it is very effective at restoring normal serum osmolarity.
Management of HSS
- Normalise serum osmolality
- Replace electrolyte loss
- Normalise blood glucose
the above can be achieved with fluids - first line is 0.9% saline but if this is ineffective then switch to 0.45%
IV fluid replacement should aim to achieve a positive balance of 3-6 litres by 12 hours and the remaining replacement of estimated fluid losses within the next 12 hours.
insulin should NOT be used in the first instance unless there is significant ketonaemia or acidosis since rapid decline in blood glucose can be potentially harmful
RAPID CHANGES MUST BE AVOIDED - Complete normalisation of electrolytes and osmolality may take up to 72 hours.
what is diabetes insipidus
either a decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary (cranial DI) or an insensitivity to antidiuretic hormone (nephrogenic DI).
what are the causes of cranial diabetes insipidus
- idiopathic
- post head injury
- pituitary surgery
- DIDMOAD is the association of cranial Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness (also known as Wolfram’s syndrome)
- haemochromatosis
causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
- genetic
- lithium
- makes the kidney less sensitive to adh
- tubulointerstitial disease
diagnosis of diabetes insipidus
- high plasma osmolality, low urine osmolality
- a urine osmolality of >700 mOsm/kg excludes diabetes insipidus
- water deprivation test
how do you treat diabetes insipidus
- nephrogenic diabetes insipidus:
- thiazides
- low salt/protein diet
- central diabetes insipidus
- desmopressin
what are the causes of hypercalcaemia
- two account for 90%
- primary hyperparathyroidism
- malignancy
- commonest cause in hospitalised patients
- other rare causes
- sarcoidosis
- and other causes of granuloma such as TB
- acromegaly
- vitamin d intoxication
- sarcoidosis
why do you get hypercalcaemia in malignancy
- combination of:
- bone mets
- PTHrP released by tumours
- myeloma
What are the clinical features of hypercalcaemia
- ‘bones, stones, groans and psychic moans’
- corneal calcification
- shortened QT interval on ECG
- hypertension
statin treatment in diabetics
- atorvastatin 20 mg should be offered if type 1 diabetics who are:
- older than 40 years, or
- have had diabetes for more than 10 years or
- have established nephropathy or
- have other CVD risk factors
statin treatment in ckd
- atorvastatin 20mg should be offered to all patients with CKD
when should you follow up patients on statins
- in 3 months after starting a statin
- repeat lipid profile
- if the non-HDL cholesterol has not fallen by at least 40% increase atorvastatin dose to 80mg
what is malignant hyperthermia
- too much Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
- this causes muscle rigidity and hyperthermia
- it is a genetic condition
- autosomal dominant
- it happens in response to anaesthetic agents such as suxamethonium and halothane
how do you treat malignant hyperthermia
dantrolene - prevents Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
features of serotonin syndrome
- neuromuscular excitation
- rigidity
- hyperreflexia
- myoclonus
- autonomic nervous system excitation
- hyperthermia
- sweating
- altered mental state
- confusion
- agitation
how do you treat serotonin syndrome
- supportive including IV fluids
- benzodiazepines
- more severe cases are managed using serotonin antagonists such as cyproheptadine and chlorpromazine
how do you tell the difference between serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome
what ecg changes may be seen in hypothermia
- bradycardia
- ‘J’ wave - small hump at the end of the QRS complex
- first degree heart block
- long QT interval
- atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
what temperatures constitute mild, moderate and severe hypothermia
- Mild hypothermia: 32-35°C
- Moderate or severe hypothermia: < 32°C
dos and don’ts for hypothermia
- Do:
- Removing the patient from the cold environment and removing any wet/cold clothing,
- Warming the body with blankets
- Securing the airway and monitoring breathing,
- If the patient is not responding well to passive warming, you may consider maintaining circulation using warm IV fluids or applying forced warm air directly to the patient’s body
- Don’t:
- Don’t put the person into a hot bath
- Don’t massage their limbs
- Too rapid rewarming can lead to vasodilation and shock → cardiac arrest
what is the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism
what hormone profile will you see and what clinical features will they have
- cause
- Mostly due to solitary adenoma
- Sometimes multifocal disease occurs
- Rarely parathyroid carcinoma in 1% or less
- Clinical features
- may be asymptomatic if mild
- abdo pain
- changes in emotional or cognitive state
- hormone profile
- high Ca2+
- high PTH
- low phosphate
- Urine calcium : creatinine clearance ratio > 0.01
what is the cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism
what hormone profile will you see and what clinical features will they have
- Cause
- it is the result of low calcium
- almost always because of renal failure
- Clinical features
- muscle aches
- cramps
- spasms
- tingling
- may develop bone disease
- Hormone profile
- Ca2+ low (or normal)
- PTH high
- Phosphate high
what is tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Occurs as a result of ongoing hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands after correction of underlying renal disorder, hyperplasia of all 4 glands is usually the cause
many will spontaneously resolve within the 12 months after surgery
what is the hormone profile in tertiary hyperparathyroidism
- Ca2+ (High)
- PTH (Elevated)
- Phosphate levels (Decreased)
- Alkaline phosphatase (Elevated)
symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism
80% of patients are asymptomatic and are diagnosed on routine blood tests. The symptomatic features of primary hyperparathyroidism may be remembered by the mnemonic: ‘bones, stones, abdominal groans and psychic moans’:
treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism
- surgery - parathyroidectomy
- conservative if they’re over 50, the hypercalcaemia is only mild and there’s no end organ damage
- give cinacalcet, a calcimimetic
what is primary hypoparathyroidism, what balance of calcium and parathyroid hormone would you see and what is the treatment
- decrease PTH secretion
- e.g. secondary to thyroid surgery*
- low calcium, high phosphate
- treated with alfacalcidol
what are the symptoms of primary hypoparathyroidism
- main symptoms are due to the symptoms of hypocalcaemia
- tetany: muscle twitching, cramping and spasm
- perioral paraesthesia
- Trousseau’s sign: carpal spasm if the brachial artery occluded by inflating the blood pressure cuff and maintaining pressure above systolic
- Chvostek’s sign: tapping over parotid causes facial muscles to twitch
- if chronic: depression, cataracts
- ECG: prolonged QT interval
what is pseudohypoparathyroidism, what balance of calicum, phosphate and PTH would you see
- genetic
- target cells being insensitive to PTH
- associated with low IQ, short stature, shortened 4th and 5th metacarpals
- low calcium, high phosphate, high PTH
what is pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism
similar phenotype to pseudohypoparathyroidism with low IQ, short stature, shortened 4th and 5th metacarpals but with normal biochemistry
what is first line bariatric surgery for obese patients
laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)
offer to patients with a BMI of 30-39 early rather than as a last resort - especially if they have other conditions that are exacerbated by their obesity (such as diabetes)
what is orlistat and how does it work
it is a drug for obesity - it is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor and therefore reduces absorption of fat in the diet
what are the conditions for prescribing orlistat
- BMI of 28 kg/m^2 or more with associated risk factors, or
- BMI of 30 kg/m^2 or more
- continued weight loss e.g. 5% at 3 months
- orlistat is normally used for < 1 year
what are the side effects of orlistat
faecal urgency/incontinence and flatulence
when you change thyroxine dose when should you check TFTs
after 8-12 weeks
what is the therapeutic goal when treating hypothyroidism
aim for normal range TSH
what should women with established hypothyroidism do to their dose if they get pregnant
increase it due to the increased demands of pregnancy
The TSH should be monitored carefully, aiming for a low-normal value
what are the side effects of thyroxine therapy
- hyperthyroidism: due to over treatment
- reduced bone mineral density
- worsening of angina
- atrial fibrillation
non-hashimotos causes of hypothyroidism
- Subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain’s)
- associated with a painful goitre and raised ESR
- Riedel thyroiditis
- fibrous tissue replacing the normal thyroid parenchyma
- causes a painless goitre
- Postpartum thyroiditis
- Drugs
- lithium
- amiodarone
- Iodine deficiency
- the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developing world
non-graves causes of hyperthyroidism
- Toxic multinodular goitre
- autonomously functioning thyroid nodules that secrete excess thyroid hormones
- Drugs
- amiodarone
compare hypothyroid symptoms with hyperthyroid symptoms
which abtibodies do you see in hashimotos thyroiditis
anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and also anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies
clinical features seen in graves but not in other causes of thyrotoxicosis
- eye signs (30% of patients)
- exophthalmos
- ophthalmoplegia
- pretibial myxoedema
- thyroid acropachy, a triad of:
- digital clubbing
- soft tissue swelling of the hands and feet
- periosteal new bone formation
which autoantibodies do you see in graves?
- TSH receptor stimulating antibodies (90%)
- anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (75%)
treatment for graves
- propanolol for symptoms
- refer
- antithyroid drugs such as carbimazole
- either reducing regimen until they are euthyroid
- or block and replace in combination with levothyroxine
- radioiodine
- second line
- contraindicated in pregnancy
- pregnancy avoided for 4-6 months following treatment
what is the typical complication of carbimazole treatment
- TSH receptor stimulating antibodies (90%)
- anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (75%)
what is the most important modifiable risk factor for thyroid eye disease
smoking
radioiodine treatment may make it worse
features of thyroid eye disease
- exophthalmos
- conjunctival oedema
- optic disc swelling
- ophthalmoplegia
- inability to close the eyelids may lead to sore, dry eyes. If severe and untreated patients can be at risk of exposure keratopathy
managment of thyroid eye disease
- topical lubricants may be needed to help prevent corneal inflammation caused by exposure
- steroids
- radiotherapy
- surgery
how do you investigate a thyroid nodule for features of malignancy
ultrasound
what is osteomalacia
softening of the bones secondary to low vitamin D levels that in turn lead to decreased bone mineral content
if it happens in children it is referred to as rickets
causes of osteomalacia
- vitamin D deficiency
- malabsorption
- lack of sunlight
- diet
- chronic kidney disease
- drug induced e.g. anticonvulsants
- inherited: hypophosphatemic rickets (previously called vitamin D-resistant rickets)
- liver disease: e.g. cirrhosis
features of osteomalacia
- bone pain
- fractures
- proximal myopathy - could lead to waddling gait
treatment for osteomalacia
- vitamin D supplmentation
- a loading dose is often needed initially
- calcium supplementation if dietary calcium is inadequate
what are the causes of hypopituitarism
- compression of the pituitary gland by non-secretory pituitary macroadenoma (most common)
- pituitary apoplexy
- Sheehan’s syndrome: postpartum pituitary necrosis secondary to a postpartum haemorrhage
- hypothalamic tumours e.g. craniopharyngioma
- trauma
- iatrogenic irradiation
- infiltrative e.g. haemochromatosis, sarcoidosis
clinical features of low ACTH from hypopituitarism
- tiredness
- postural hypotension
clinical features of low FSH and LH from hypopituitarism
- amenorrhoea
- infertility
- loss of libido
- amenorrhoea
what is pituitary apoplexy
Sudden enlargement of a pituitary tumour (usually non-functioning macroadenoma) secondary to haemorrhage or infarction.
what are the features of pituitary apoplexy
- sudden onset headache similar to that seen in subarachnoid haemorrhage
- vomiting
- neck stiffness
- visual field defects: classically bitemporal superior quadrantic defect
- extraocular nerve palsies
- features of pituitary insufficiency
- e.g. hypotension/hyponatraemia secondary to hypoadrenalism
what is the typical visual field defect with pituitary apoplexy
bitemporal superior quadrantic defect
how do you diagnose pituitary apoplexy
MRI
What is the management of pituitary apoplexy
- urgent steroid replacement due to loss of ACTH
- careful fluid balance
- surgery
what are pituitary adenomas
benign tumours of the pituitary gland, common (10% of people), mostly asymptomatic - prolactinoma is the most common type
what is the difference between a pituitary microadenoma and a pituitary macroadenoma
microadenoma is <1cm and a macroadenoma is >1cm
which are the most common types of pituitary adenoma
- prolactinoma (most common)
- non-secreting adenomas are the next most common
- then GH secreting
- then ACTH secreting adenomas
what is the first line treatment for prolactinomas
bromocriptine (dopamine agonist decreases prolactin secretion)
trans sphenoidal surgery if bromocriptine not tolerated
what surgery for pituitary adenomas
transsphenoidal transnasal hypophysectomy
why does magnesium affect calcium
Magnesium is required for both PTH secretion and its action on target tissues. Hypomagnesaemia may both cause hypocalcaemia and render patients unresponsive to treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
in hyperparathyroidism, refer for surgery if
- Any of the following:
- Symptoms of hypercalcaemia (e.g. thirst, polyuria, constipation)
- End-organ disease (renal calculi, fragility fractures or osteoporosis)
- Corrected serum calcium of 2.85 mmol/L or above
what is De Quervain’s thyroiditis
aka subacute thyroiditis - occurs following viral infection and typically presents with hyperthyroidism.
- There are typically 4 phases;
- phase 1 (lasts 3-6 weeks): hyperthyroidism, painful goitre, raised ESR
- phase 2 (1-3 weeks): euthyroid
- phase 3 (weeks - months): hypothyroidism
- phase 4: thyroid structure and function goes back to normal
