Investigating the endocrine system (Endocrine pathology)

Question 1

What are the principles of dynamic endocrine investigations?

Answer 1

Stimulation for HypO function

Suppression for HypER function

Question 2

What are the effects of changes in plasma proteins on plasma fT3 and fT4 concentrations?

Answer 2

Free T4 is the most accurate assessment of thyroid hormone levels, because it avoids changes in plasma protein binding capabilities.

It is elevated in hyperthyroidism and depressed in hypothyroidism

fT3 ???

Question 3

What is sick euthyroid syndrome?

Answer 3

where the levels of T3 and/or T4 are at unusual levels, but the thyroid gland does not appear to be dysfunctional.

Question 4

How do Phaeochromocytomas present and how are they investigated?

Answer 4

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue.

Investigation :Tests for catecholamines

Symptoms occur during attacks when the gland is releasing hormones:
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Irritability
Nervousness
Pallor
Palpitations
Rapid heart rate
Severe headache
Sweating
Weight loss

Question 5

lowered Thyroxine and lowered TSH is a sign of …?

Answer 5

Pituitary failure

Question 6

Lowered Thyroxine and increased TSH is a sign of ….?

Answer 6

Unresponsive thyroid

Question 7

increased thyroxine and lowered TSH is a sign of …?

Answer 7

Thyroid gland overproduction

Question 8

Increased thyroxin and increased TSH is a sign of …?

Answer 8

Pituitary gland overproduction or feedback fails.