Endocrinology Flashcards
Metabolic ketoacidosis with normal-low glucose is associated with what?
Alcoholic ketoacidosis
Which thyroid cells form the colloid?
Follicular cells
What mineral is associated with the thyroid colloid?
Iodine
What is the function of para-follicular cells (C-cells)?
Produce Calcitonin
What is the function of follicular cells?
Synthesise T4 and T3
What is the bioactive thyroid hormone?
T3
What is the main thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland?
T4
How is T4 transported int he blood?
Thyroid-binding globulin
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Tremor Anxiety Palpitations Heat intolerance Diarrhoea Oligomenorrhoea
What are the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism?
Lethargy Cold intolerance Weight gain Constipation Menorrhagia Decreased deep tendon reflexes
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s disease
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s disease
Toxic multi-nodular goitre
Thyroiditis
Drugs (Amiodarone)
Which antibodies are associated with Grave’s disease?
Anti-TSH receptor antibodies
Which drug is associated with inducing hyperthyroidism?
Amiodarone
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroidits
Which auto-antibody is associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Anti-TPO antibodies
What are the causes of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Subacute thyroiditis
Drugs
Iodine deficiency -Common cause in the developing world
Which drugs can induce hypothyroidism (2)?
Lithium
Amiodarone
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developing world?
Iodine deficiency
What is the level of TSH in primary hyperthyroidism?
Low TSH
What is the level of TSH in primary hypothyroidism?
Raised
What is revealed in radio-scintigraphy in Grave’s disease?
Homogeneous increased iodine uptake
What is revealed in radio-scintigraphy in a toxic adenoma?
Hot nodule - increased iodine uptake in solitary nodule and suppressed uptake in other parts
What is revealed in radio-scintigraphy in a toxic multi-nodular adenoma?
Heterogeneous uptake
What is the management of hyperthyroidism?
Propranolol - Non cardioselective beta-blocker for symptomatic management
Carbimazole (TPO inhibitor)
Propylthiouracil
Radio-iodine
What are the side effects of carbimazole?
Agranulocytosis (No neutrophils)
What is the definitive management for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine
How common is thyroid eye disease in Grave’s patients?
25-50%
What is the most common form of thyroid eye disease in Grave’s?
Bilateral exophthalmos
What is the pathophysiology of exophthalmos in Grave’s?
Anti-TSH receptor antibodies binding to TSH receptors in the eyes - stimulates growth of tissue
What are the features of Bilateral exophthalmos in Grave’s?
Diplopia Conjunctival oedema (chemosis) Opthalamlgia Exposure keratopathy Optic neuropathy (Blurred vision)
Due to increased sympathetic tone in Grave’s disease what features are seen in the eye?
Lid lag and retraction
What are the three specific features in Grave’s disease?
Bilateral exophthalmos - lid lag and retraction
Pretibial myxoedema
Thyroid acropachy (Thickening of the extremities)
What are the classic features of thyroid cancer?
Non-functional (Euthyroid), painless, rapidly growing
Solitary - Irregular (Nodular shape
Palpable nodule, hard and fixed
Hoarse voice - Tumour compression on the recurrent laryngeal nerves
Dysphagia
Haemopotysis
Airway obstruction
Why does a hoarse voice occur in thyroid cancer?
Tumour compression on the recurrent laryngeal nerve
What is the most common subtype of thyroid cancer?
Papillary carcinoma (70%) - associated with cervical lymphadenopathy
What is the epidemiology of papillary carcinoma?
35-year old female with childhood radiation exposure
A circular concentric laminations in papillary carcinoma is known as what?
Psammoma body
What thyroid cancer is associated with a Psammoma body?
Papillary carcinoma
What is the second most common thyroid cancer?
Follicular carcinoma (20%) - associated with low dietary iodine intake
What is a rare variant of follicular carcinoma?
Hurthle cell carcinoma
Which MEN types are associated with medullary carcinoma?
MEN2a and MEN2B
What are the most aggressive thyroid cancers?
Anaplastic carcinomas
What is the definitive investigation for thyroid cancer?
Fine needle aspirate biopsy with ultrasound
+TFTs - to exclude functional nodules
What neoplasms are associated with MEN type 1?
3Ps Pituitary tumours (Prolactinoma)
Pancreatic tumours (Insulinoma, glucagonoma, gastrinomas)
Parathyroid adenomas
(Raised Ca, and HyperPTH)
What are the common pancreatic tumours are associated with MEN1?
Insulinoma
Glucagonoma
Gastrinoma
What are the symptoms of hypercalcaemia?
Renal colic Abdominal pain Constipation Psychological depression Bone pain, osteoporosis
What is the onset of symptoms for MEN1?
MEN1 mutation has high penetrance and therefore develops early in life.
What investigations are performed for MEN1?
CT/MRI (whole-body), genetic testing
What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome compared with MEN1 gastrinoma?
Non-MEN1 gastrinoma
MEN2A and MEN2B is associated with which type of thyroid cancer?
Medullary thyroid cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer is associated with which type of cell?
Parafollicular C-cell - produce calcitonin
Which tumours are associated with MEN2A?
Phaeochromocytoma
Parathyroid adenoma
Medullary thyroid cancer
Which tumours are associated with MEN2B?
Phaeochromocytoma
Medullary thyroid cancer
Neuromas (Mucosal) -
Associated with Marfanoid habitus
What is Marfanoid habitus?
Including long limbs, with an arm span that is at least 1.03 of the height of the individual, and a crowded oral maxilla, sometimes with a high arch in the palate, arachnodactyly, and hyperlaxity.
Pectus excavatum
A Marfanoid habitus is associated with which type of MEN syndrome?
MEN2B
What gene is associated with MEN2A and 2B in genetic testing?
RET oncogene
What blood investigation is performed in suspected medullary thyroid carcinoma?
Calcitonin
What type of tumour is carcinoid syndrome?
Neuroendocrine cell
How does carcinoid syndrome arise to produce a symptomatic presentation?
The carcinoid tumour metastasises to the liver
What does serotonin get metabolised into by the liver?
5-HIAA (excreted via the urine)
What hormone is raised in carcinoid syndrome?
Serotonin
Bradykinin
Histamine
What are the common features of carcinoid syndrome?
Flushing (Vasodilation due to bradykinin and histamine)
Diarrhoea (Serotonin induced effect on gut motility)
Shortness of breath
Pulmonary stenosis
Abdominal pain (Serotonin activated fibroblasts)
Itching (Histamine)
What hormone inhibits serotonin release?
Somatostatin
What investigations are performed on suspected carcinoid syndrome?
Urinary 5-HIAA
CT Scan
Octreotide scan - specific
What is octreotide?
A somatostatin analogue
What specific scan is performed in carcinoid syndrome?
Octreotide scan - binds to neuroendocrine cells
What hormone released by the hypothalamus directly controls LH/FSH secretion?
GnRH
Which cells respond to LH in males?
Leydig cells
What is the function of Leydig cells?
Release testosterone
What is the function of Sertoli cells?
Spermatogenesis
Sertoli cells respond to which hormone?
FSH
Which hormone is secreted by theca cells?
Progesterone
Which hormone is secreted by granulosa cells?
Oestrogen
Which gonadotrophin acts on theca cells?
LH
What is physiological hypogonadism?
Pregnancy
What is primary hypogonadism (Female)?
Gonadal dysfunction
-Reduced oestrogen and progesterone production
- Turner’s syndrome (Gonadal Dysgenesis)
- Gonadal damage
- Primary ovarian failure
- PCOS
What is the karyotype of Turner’s syndrome?
45X0
What are the causes of secondary hypogonadism?
Kallman syndrome
Pituitary/hypothalamic tumour (Non-functioning or prolactinoma)
Hyperprolactinaemia
Functional - Hypothalamic amenorrhoea
-Low BMI, Excess exercise, stress
Contraceptive pill use - Negative feedback signal to reduce FSH and LH
What symptom is typically associated with Kallman syndrome?
Anosmia- Failed development migration of olfactory bundles
What are functional causes of hypothalamic amenorrhoea?
Low BMI
Excess exercise
Stress
What are the main causes of primary hypogonadism in Males?
Gonadal dysgenesis (Klinefelter’s syndrome, cryptochrodism)
Gonadal damage
Post-orchitis (Mumps)
What is the karyotype for Klinefelter’s syndrome?
47XXY
What are the secondary causes of hypogonadism in Males?
Kallman Syndrome
Pituitary/hypothalamic tumour
Hyperprolactinaemia
What are the features of hypogonadism?
Delayed puberty - Primary amenorrhoea, absent sexual characteristics (absent pubic hair, delayed thelarche, micropenis, high-pitched voice, small undescended testes)
Infertility
Low libido
Female specific - Night sweats/hot flushes
-Amenorrhoea
Erectile dysfunction
What is the first-line investigation in females presenting with symptoms of hypogonadism?
Pregnancy test
What investigations are performed in hypogonadism?
Pregnancy test LH/FSH Prolactin Testosterone/Oestradiol TFTs Karyotyping Pituitary MRI
What is the hormone profile in primary hypogonadism?
Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism
- Raised LH/FSH/GnRH
Low tesosterone/oestrogen
What is the hormone profile in secondary hypogonadism?
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
What are the effects of growth hormone?
Increased blood glucose
Increased insulin resistance
Increased muscle growth
Increased bone thickness
What organs does GH have an effect on?
Bone
Muscle
Liver
Kidney
Releases IGF-1
Growth hormone causes the release of what?
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (Somatomedin)
What is the most common cause of acromegaly?
Pituitary adenoma of somatotrophs
What are the features of Acromegaly?
Coarse facial features Prognathism and large tongue Spade-like hands and large feet Excessive sweating Organomegaly Headache Visual disturbances Possible: Hyperprolactinaemia, hypopituitarism
Why is gigantism?
Growth of long bones (Epiphyseal growth plates have no fused)
Why is there hyperprolactinaemia in acromegaly?
Pituitary adenoma compression of the pituitary stalk reduces dopamine secretion -Reduces negative regulation of prolactin release from lactotrophs
What visual defect is associated with pituitary adenomas?
Bitemporal hemianopia
What are the common complications of acromegaly?
Diabetes mellitus Hypertension Carpal tunnel syndrome Cardiomyopathy Colorectal cancer
What is seen in an OGTT in acromegaly?
Paradoxical rise in Growth hormone
What is the first-line investigation in acromegaly?
Serum IGF-1
What is the diagnostic investigation in confirming acromegaly?
OGTT
What is the first-line definitive management of acromegaly?
Trans-sphenoidal surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Somatostatin analogues
- Dopamine receptor agonists (Cabergoline and bromocriptine)
- GH receptor antagonists
What is type 1 diabetes?
Pancreatic islet B-cell autoimmune destruction
- Absolute deficiency in insulin
- Lipolysis and ketogenesis
Which gene is associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus?
HLA DR3-4
What is type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Reduced peripheral sensitivity to insulin , reduced insulin production over time
What is the characteristic presentation of T1DM?
<20 years
Polyuria, and polydipsia (osmotic diuresis)
Weight loss and fatigue
DKA signs
FH of autoimmune disease
What are DKA signs?
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Kussmaul breathing (deep hyperventilation)
Sweet-smelling breath (ketonaemia)
What is the characteristic features of T2DM?
> 40 YEARS
asymptomatic
Polyuria, polydipsia
Examination findings -acanthosis nigricans
What are the main risk factors for T2DM?
Obesity
Hypertension
South Asian/Afro-Caribbean ethnicity
What is the normal random glucose range?
<11.1
What is the cut-off for fasting glucose in diabetes?
> 7.0
What is the cut-off for a 2-hour post-prandial glucose?
> 11.1
What is the cut-off for HbA1c diabetes diagnosis?
> 48 (6.5%)
What is the pre-diabetes range for fasting glucose?
5.5-6.9
What confirms the diagnosis of diabetes Mellitus?
symptomatic + 1 test
Asymptomatic + 2 different tests on 2 different days
What are the specific antibodies involved in type 1 diabetes mellitus?
Anti-GA and islet cell antibodies
What does a urine dip reveal in T1DM?
Urinary Ketones
What is the first-line management for T1DM?
Basal-bolus
Long-acting and short-acting (Before meals)
Example of long-acting insulin
Insulin glargine (Subcutaneous injection OD)
Example of short-acting insulin
Insulin lispro
What is basal-bolus insulin?
Short-acting and long-acting insulin prior to meals/
How is T1DM measured
Monitored daily using capillary glucose
Over time using HbA1c
What is the first-line management for T2DM?
Lifestyle modifications - diet, exercise and education
What is step 1 of glycaemic control in T2DM?
Metformin if HbA1c >48 despite lifestyle advice
What is step 2 in glycaemic control?
Add another drug (DPP4i, Pioglitazone, SU, SGLT-2i)
What are the indications for starting atorvastatin in lipid management for T2DM?
If QRISK >10%
-Atorvastatin 20mg
What are the indictions for 80mg OD atorvastatin in T2DM?
IHD, CVD and PAD
What is the BP management in T2DM?
ACEi or ARB (In Afro-Caribbean Origin)
What is step 2 in BP management?
Add CCB or thiazide
What step 3 in BP management in T2DM?
ACEi/ARB + CCB + Thiazide
What are the acute metabolic disturbances associated with DM?
Hypoglycaemia
DKA
HHS
What glucose parameter is associated with hypoglycaemia?
Low plasma glucose <3.6 mmol/L
What are the common causes of hypoglycaemia in T2DM?
Inappropriate insulin regime
Missed meals
Drugs - SUs
What are the signs of Hypoglycaemia?
Palpitations Tremor Sweating Pallor anxiety Drowsiness Confusion altered behaviour COMA
What is the management for hypoglycaemia in a conscious patient?
Oral glucose and complex carbohydrate
Short-acting - glucogel
What is the management of hypoglycaemia in impaired consciousness?
1mg IM glucagon
What is the triad of DKA?
Hyperglycaemia
Ketonaemia
Metabolic acidosis
What is the main effect of glucose in DKA?
Osmotic diuresis (Polyuria) - dehydration
What is the main effect of ketones in DKA?
Acid induced enzyme dysfunction - coma and death
What is the main aim of DKA?
IV fluids and insulin
What sign is not seen in HHS?
Abdominal pain
What ketone parameter is indicative of DKA?
> 3 mmol/L
pH < 7.3
What pH value is associated with DKA?
pH <7.3
What is the pH value in HHS?
Normal (7.35-7.45) and normal ketones <3 mmol/L
What is the initial management for HHS and DKS?
Fluids (normal saline) and potassium chloride (If K<5.5)
IV insulin after fluids and only when Potassium is not <3.5
When is IV insulin administered in HHS?
After fluids and when K is not <3.5
What is the effect of insulin on potassium?
Increase potassium cellular intake- risk of hypokalaemia
What type of insulin is given in HHS and DKA?
Fixed-rate insulin infusion
What signs are seen in background retinopathy on fundoscopy?
Blot and dot haemorrhages/hard exudates
What is the management of background retionopathy?
Improve glycaemic control
What is the management of pre-proliferative retionopathy?
Pan-retinal laster photocoagulation
What fundoscopic signs are seen in pre-proliferative retionopathy?
Background + cotton wool spots
What is seen in proliferative retinopathy?
Neovascularisation
What is the management for maculopathy?
Intravitreal VEGF inhibitors
What are the risks associated with neovascularisation in retinopathy?
Associated with retinal detachment and vitreous haemorrhage - visual loss
What fundoscopic signs are seen in maculopathy?
Hard exudates need the macula
What are the signs of diabetic nephropathy?
Oedema, polyuria, lethargy and hypertension
What is the first-line investigations for diabetic nephropathy?
Urinalysis
Albumin:creatinine ratio (Raised) - Microalbuminuria
What is the gold standard investigation for diabetic nephropahty?
Renal biopsy - revealing Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules
What nodules are seen in a renal biopsy for diabetic nephropathy?
Kimmelstiel-wilson nodules
What is the definitive management for diabetic nephropathy?
ACEi/ARB (renoprotective)
What is the aetiology of diabetic neuropathy?
Blockage of the vasa nervosum
What is the characteristic presentation of peripheral neuropathy?
Glove and stocking distribution
- Loss of sensation
- Inspect feet
Monofilament on LL exam
Loss of ankle jerk/vibration/sense/fractures (Charcot’s joint)
What is mononeuropathy?
Motor loss
-wrist drop, foot drop, 3rd nerve palsy
What is autonomic neuropathy?
GI tract: Difficulty swallowing, delayed gastric emptying, bladder dysfunction
Postural hypotension
Cardiac autonomic supply
Which neuropathic pain agents are used in DN?
Duloxetine
Pregabalin
Gabapentin
What is the main symptom of diabetes insipidus?
Production of dilute urine (Hypotonic polyuria)
What are the two types of diabetes insipidus?
Lack of vasopressin release from the posterior pituitary gland
Nephrogenic - Collecting ducts insensitive to vasopressin
What are the causes of cranial DI?
Pituitary tumour/surgery, TBI, infection (meningitis)
Sarcoidosis/TB
SAH
What are the nephrogenic causes of DI?
Lithium therapy Electrolyte imbalance (HyperCal, hypokal)
Ureteric obstruction
Inherited (AVPV2 gene)
What is the presentation of DI?
Polyuria, nocturia
Polydipsia
Dehydration: Tachycardia/reduced tissue turgor/dry mucous membranes
Signs of the cause
What is the diagnostic test for DI?
Water deprivation test
How long is a water deprivation test carried out for?
8 hours or more than 3% body weight lost
After a water deprivation test what drug is adminsitered?
Desmopressin
What is the urine osmolality in diabetes insipidus during a water deprivation test?
Dilute - low
What happens to urine osmolality after desmopressin administration in cranial diabetes insipidus?
Increases
Management for cranial DI?
Intranasal desmopressin
Management for nephrogenic DI?
Thiazide diuretic
What is SIADH?
Excess ADH
- Serum sodium decreases
- Urine osmolality increases
- Urine sodium increases
What are the main CNS causes?
SAH, stroke, tumour, TB
Pulmonary: Pneumonia, bronchiectasis
Malignancy - small cell lung cancer
Drugs - Carbamazepine, SSRI
Idiopathic
What is the management of SIADH?
Treat the underlying cause
Immediate fluid restriction (Hyponatremia)
If ineffective- consider oral demeclocycline (Makes collecting ducts less repsonsive to ADH)
What are the three main causes of hypovolaemic hyponatremia?
Diarrhoea, vomiting, diuretics
Management is IV fluids, there is low urinary sodium (<20)
What is the cause of euvolaemic hyponatremia?
SIADH
Hypothyroidism
Adrenal insufficiency
Management is fluid restriction
What is the presentation of severe hypervolaemia?
Seizures, decreased consciousness
What is the complication of administering hypertonic saline in hyponatremia (too fast)?
Central pontine myelionlylsis
What are the main acquired causes of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroidits
Iatrogenic (Post-surgery, radioiodine, medication for hypertyroidism)
Severe iodine deficiency or iodine excess (Wolff-Chaikoff effect)
What is the presentation of hypothyroidism?
Cold intolerance Lethargy Weight gain Constipation Dry skin Hair loss Hoarse voice Mental slowness, depression, dementia, cramps, ataxia, paraesthesia
Menstural disturbances (irregular cycles menorrhagia)
Myxoedema coma (severe hypothyroidism)
What are the examination findings consistent with hypothyroidism?
Bradycardia, cold hands
Pale puffy face, goitre, hair loss, dry skin, vitiligo
Pericardial or pleural effusions
Ascites
Slow relaxation of reflexes
Signs of carpal tunnel syndrome
What is subclinical hypothyroidism?
Normal serum free-T4 and T3, and increased TSH
What is the management for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine
What is the management of myxoedema coma?
Oxygen Rewarming Rehydration IV T4/T3 IV hydrocortisone
What is thyrotoxicosis?
A syndrome resulting from an excess of circulating free thyroxine (T4) and/or free triiodothyronine (T3).
-Due to increased thyroid hormone synthesis
What autoantibodies are associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Anti-thyroid peroxidase
What auto-antibodies are associated with Grave’s disease?
TSH-receptor antibodies
What are the features of Grave’s disease?
-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
Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis
- Heat intolerance
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Anxiety and irritability
- Weight loss (Despite good appetite)
- Diarrhoea, pruritus
- Exertional dyspnoea
- Menstural irregularities
What is Graves opthalmopathy?
Blurred vision, double vision, eye grittiness, eye protrusion (Exophtalmos)
What is the presentation of subacute thyroiditis?
neck pain radiating to the jaw or to the ear, inability to the swallow
- Fever
- Palpitations
- Malaise
- Tremor
- Heat intolerance
What is the TFT picture in subacute thyroidits?
Low TSH
Raised T3 and T4 due to release of pre-formed thyroid hormone in the colloid.
What is the first-line management for subacute thyroiditis?
Corticosteroid
Analgesia - Ibuprofen
What is the first-line management for controlling symptoms of thyrotoxicosis?
Propanolol (Beta-blockers)
What are the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis?
General: Underweight, restless, irritable, sweating.
• Signs of associated autoimmune conditions – vitiligo.
• Hands: tremor, warm, moist, rapid, or irregular pulse, onycholysis, acropachy, palmar erythema.
• BP: Wide pulse pressure
• Eyes: Lid retraction and lid lag (due to increased catecholamine sensitivity of levator palpebrae superioris)
What does a radioisotope uptake scan reveal in Grave’s disease?
Homogenous uptake
What does a radioisotope uptake scan reveal in Toxic multinodular goitre?
Heterogenous activity - multiple areas of increased activity with suppression of uptake of the gland
What is the first-line management of an acute thyroid crisis?
Beta-blockade - atenolol, propanolol
What is the pharmacological management for thyrotoxicosis?
Carbimazole
Propylthiouracil
What is a toxic multi-nodular goitre?
Excess production of thyroid hormones from a functionally autonomous thyroid nodules which do not require stimulation from TSH.
What is the management of a toxic multi-nodular goitre?
Radioiodine therapy
What is the presentation of thyroid storm?
- Medical emergency: 50% mortality untreated.
- Hyperpyrexia > 41 oC
- Accelerated tachycardia/arrhythmia
- Cardiac failure
- Delirium/frank psychosis
- Hepatocellular dysfunction – jaundice
What is the management of a thyroid storm?
symptomatic treatment e.g. paracetamol
treatment of underlying precipitating event
beta-blockers: typically IV propranolol
anti-thyroid drugs: e.g. methimazole or propylthiouracil
Lugol’s iodine
dexamethasone - e.g. 4mg IV qds - blocks the conversion of T4 to T3
What is the surgical management of a thyroid storm?
Thyroidectomy
Radiodine
What are the side effects of thioamides?
Agranulocytosis (Reduction in neutrophil - neutropenia)
- Increased sepsis risk
- Rashes
What is the pre-operative preparation for thyroidectomy?
Potassium iodide
What effect is observed by the administration of iodine therapy in hyperthyroidism?
Wolff-Chaikoff effect - inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion
What are the main causes of Addison’s disease?
- Primary - Autoimmune >70%
- Infections: Tuberculosis, meningococcal septicaemia, CMV, histoplasmosis.
- Infiltration: Metastasis (lung, breast, melanoma), lymphomas, amyloidosis.
- Infarction: Secondary to thrombophilia.
- Inherited: Adrenoleukodystrophy, ACTH receptor mutation.
- Iatrogenic: Sudden cessation of long-term steroid therapy.
What is the presentation of Addison’s disease?
Dizziness, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Lethargy, and weakness
Depression
Postural hypotension
What are the examination findings associated with Addison’s disease?
Increased pigmentation - palmar creases, buccal mucosa
Loss of body hair in women
What are the signs of an Addisonian crisis?
Hypotensive shock Tachycardia Pale Cold Clammy Oliguria
What are the consequences of adrenocortical failure?
Hyponatremia Hyperkalaemia Hypotension Hypoglycaemia fatigue Hyperpigmentation Weight loss
What is the first-line investigation for Addison’s disease?
9 am cortisol - low (Diurnal rhythms exhibited by cortisol secretion)
<100
High ACTH
What is the diagnostic investigation to confirming primary adrenal insufficiency?
Short synacthen test - 250ug
-There is reduced cortisol secretion - unresponsive to ACTH stimulation
What is Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?
Meningococcal infection precipitating adrenal haemorrhage and Addisonian crisis
What are the precipitating factors for an Addisonian crisis?
Steroid withdrawal
Waterhouse-Fridericshen syndrome
Sepsis/Acute exacerbation of chronic insufficiency
What is the first-line management of an Addisonian crisis?
Rapid IV infusion rehydration (0.9% saline, 1L over 30-60 minutes, 2-4L)
IV 200mg hydrocortisone bolus
Which corticosteroid is administered first in Addison’s
Hydrocortisone
What is the definitive management for Addison’s disease?
Hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Syndrome associated with chronic inappropriate elevation of free circulating cortisol
What are the ACTH-dependent causes of Cushings?
Excess ACTH secretion from a pituitary adenoma (Cushing’s disease)- Responds to High-dose dexamethasone suppression test
What are the ACTH independent causes of Cushing’s?
Benign adrenal adenoma
Adrenal carcinoma
Adrenal nodular hyperplasia
Oral steroids - main cause
Which lung is the associated?
Small cell lung cancer
What is the presentation of Cushing’s?
Weight gain Fatigue Muscle weakness- Proximal myopathy Myalgia Thin skin Easy bruising Poor wound healing Fractures Frontal balding Recurrent Achilles tendon rupture
What are the examination findings are associating with Cushing’s?
Moon face Facial plethora Interscapular fat pad- buffalo neck hump Supraclavicular fat distribution Thin skin Myopathy Bruises Central obesity Striae Kyphosis Hypertension, ankle oedema Pigmentation in ACTH dependent cases
What is the first-line investigation for Cushing’s?
24-hour urine collection of urinary free cortisol
Late-night salivary cortisol
What is the diagnostic investigation to differentiate between Cushing’s disease and syndrome?
Low-dose dexamethasone test
High-dose dexamethasone test
What does a high-dose dexamethasone test reveal ACTH-independent Cushing’s?
No suppression- indicates adrenal hyperplasia
What investigations are performed in ACTH-independent Cushing’s?
Low plasma ACTH
CT or MRI of adrenals