Hyperfunction of adrenal glands Flashcards
what is a common endocrine cause of hypertension?
Primary hyperaldosteronism
unilateral adenoma
bilateral hyperplasia
what are rarer ednocrine causes of hypertension?
Phaeochromcytoma
Cushing’s syndrome
Acromegaly
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Congenital Adrenal hyperplasia
what syndromes cause hypersecretion from the adrenal cortex?
Cushing’s syndrome (cortisol, androgens) (adenoma, carcinoma or bilateral hyperplasia)
Conn’s syndrome (aldosterone) (adenoma or bilateral hyperplasia)
what syndromes cause hypersecretion from the adrenal medulla?
Phaeochromocytoma (catecholamines)
what is cushings syndrome?
excess corticosteroids
what type of hormone is cortisol?
catabolic hormone
what effects does cortisol have on the body?
Tissue breakdown
causes weakness of skin, muscle & bone
Sodium retention
may cause hypertension & heart failure
Insulin antagonism
may cause diabetes mellitus
what are side effects of glucocorticoid therapy?
what are common characteristic features of cushings syndrome?
what percentage of cases of cushings syndrome ACTH dependent?
75% cases:
Pituitary tumour (Cushing’s disease)
5% cases:
Ectopic ACTH secretion (eg lung carcinoid)
what percentage of cases of cushings syndrome ACTH independent?
20% cases:
Adrenal tumour (adenoma or carcinoma)
Corticosteroid therapy (eg for asthma, IBD)
describe the physiology of secondary hypersecretion due to a hypothalamic problem?
describe the physiology of secondary hypersecretion due to a pituitary problem?
describe the physiology of primary hypersecretion due to a problem with the adrenal cortex?
what approach should be taken to diagmose hypercortisolism?