Endocrinology Flashcards
DDX for palpitations
Hyperthyroidism Thyroid storm Hypoglycemia Anemia Electrolyte disorders Cardiac disease Alcohol withdrawal
DDX for tremors
Hypoglycemia
Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid storm
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Excess (inappropriate) PTH production
Most common type
Most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism
Parathyroid adenoma
Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs in 20% of pts taking _______
Lithium
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Increased PTH due to hypocalcemia or vitamin D deficiency
Most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism
Chronic kidney failure - kidneys convert vitamin D to its usable form
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Prolonged PTH stimulation after secondary hypothyroidism, leading to autonomous PTH production
Signs/Symptoms of hypercalcemia
Stones Bones Abdominal groans Psychic moans Decreased DTRs
Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism
Hypercalcemia Elevated PTH Decreased phosphate Increased 24 hour calcium excretion, increased vitamin D Imaging studies for parathyroid adenoma Osteopenia on DEXA
Management of hyperparathyroidism
Acute - saline, calcitonin, bisphosphonates
Definitive - Parathyroidectomy - remove overactive (if all 4, remove 3.5 glands)
Most common cause of hyperthyroidism
Grave’s disease - autoimmune disease that leads to TSH receptor antibodies
Signs/Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Anxiety Heat intolerance Menstrual irregularities Weight loss Palpitations Tachycardia Hyperdefecation
Specific signs/symptoms for grave’s disease
Eye (proptosis, chemosis, lid retraction) Skin abnormalities (pretibial myxedema)
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism
- R/o pregnancy if menstrual irregularities
- Low TSH, high T4
- Radioactive iodine uptake (will show decreased uptake in all forms except graves - elevated)
Treatment of thyroid storm
PTU or methimazole
Beta blockers
High dose corticosteroids
Treatment of grave’s disease
Beta blockers
PTU or methimazole
Definitive tx: radioactive iodine
Steroids for ophthalmopathy
Treatment for grave’s in pregnant pts
PTU first trimester
Switch to methimazole after
S/E of methimazole
Leukopenia/agranulocytosis
S/E of PTU
hepatotoxicity
Most common cause of acute thyroiditis
Staph aureus
Signs/symptoms of acute thyroiditis
Painful, fluctuant thyroid.
Usually very ill, febrile
Diagnosis of acute thyroiditis
Increased WBC w/ left shift
Usually euthyroid
Tx of acute thyroiditis
Abx, drainage if abscess present
Adrenal insufficiency secondary to autoimmune destruction (most common cause)
Addison’s Disease
Signs/Symptoms of Addison’s disease
Fatigue, weakness, anorexia, nausea, weight loss
Hyperpigmentation
Hypotension, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis
Cause of hyperpigmentation in adrenal insufficiency
Long-standing elevated ACTH levels
Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency/Addison’s
- Low cortisol levels (<3)(measure early morning)
- ACTH stimulation test
- ACTH level - increased levels = primary, decreased levels = secondary
ACTH stimulation test
Addison’s disease
Give pt ACTH (cosyntropin) if cortisol levels do not rise, adrenal insufficiency is confirmed
Once low cortisol has been confirmed, draw ACTH level
Increased levels of ACTH with adrenal insufficiency
Primary insufficiency (adrenal problem) CT of adrenal gland. Will also see elevated renin and decreased aldosterone