Pathology of the Endocrine System

Question 1

Acromealgy

Answer 1

A rare chronic disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of the extremities (hands and feet) caused by the excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty

Question 2

Hyperpituitarism

Answer 2

The excess secretion of growth hormone that causes acromegaly and gigantism

Question 3

Short stature (dwarfism)

Answer 3

Sometimes caused by deficient secretion of growth hormone

Question 4

Pituitary adenoma (pituitary tumor)

Answer 4

There are two types of these slow-growing benign tumors of the pituitary gland. Functioning pituitary tumors often produce hormones in large and unregulated amounts. Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors do not produce excessive amounts of hormones.

Question 5

Galactorrhea

Answer 5

A condition in which an excess of prolactin causes the breasts to produce milk spontaneously, not due to childbirth.

Question 6

Prolactinoma

Answer 6

A benign tumor of the pituitary gland. This type of tumor, which causes the pituitary gland to produce too much of the lactogenic hormone known as prolactin, can cause infertility in women and erectile dysfunction in men and can impair vision.

Question 7

Diabetes insipidus

Answer 7

Not related to diabetes mellitus, is an uncommon disorder caused by an insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone ADH or by the inability of the kidneys to respond appropriately to this hormone. When there is an insufficient quantity of ADH, too much fluid is excreted by the kidneys. This causes polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination) that in extreme cases can reach over 20 quarts a day. If this problem is not controlled, it can cause severe dehydration.

Question 8

Insipidus

Answer 8

Comes from a Latin word meaning without taste, referring to the relatively low sodium (salt) content of the urine in patients with diabetes insipidus.

Question 9

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)

Answer 9

Caused by the overproduction of the antidiuretic hormone ADH. This is often as a result of cancer or its treatment. High amounts of ADH keep the kidneys from excreting water, resulting in bloating and water retention that can dilute the blood, causing electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia (low levels of sodium).

Question 10

Pinealoma

Answer 10

A tumor of the pineal gland that can disrupt the production of melatonin. This tumor can also cause insomnia by disrupting the circadian cycle.

Question 11

Thyroid carcinoma

Answer 11

The most common cancer of the endocrine system, and is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States. Thyroid carcinoma, which has a high survival rate, affects significantly more women than men and is commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 55.

Question 12

Hashimoto’s disease (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis)

Answer 12

An autoimmune disease in which the body’s own antibodies attack and destroy the cells of the thyroid gland. This inflammation often leads to hypothyroidism.

Question 13

Hypothyroidism

Answer 13

Caused by a deficiency of thyroid secretion. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, and a decreased metabolic rate.

Question 14

Cretinism

Answer 14

A congenital form of hypothyroidism. If treatment is not started soon after birth, cretinism causes arrested physical and mental development.

Question 15

Myxedema (hypothyroidism)

Answer 15

Caused by an extreme deficiency of thyroid secretion. Symptoms include swelling, particularly around the eyes and cheeks; fatigue; and a subnormal temperature.

Question 16

Thyroid nodules

Answer 16

Lumps in the thyroid that can grow large enough to cause a goiter. Most nodules are benign; however, some are malignant or produce too much thyroxine.

Question 17

Thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis)

Answer 17

A relatively rare, life-threatening condition caused by exaggerated hyperthyroidism. Patients experiencing a thyroid storm may complain of fever, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, tremors, increased sweating, disorientation, and fatigue.

Question 18

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)

Answer 18

The overproduction of thyroid hormones, which causes an imbalance of metabolism. This causes symptoms including an increased metabolic rate, sweating, nervousness, and weight loss. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.

Question 19

Grave’s disease

Answer 19

A disorder of unknown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This results in hyperthyroidism and can also cause goiter, exophthalmos, or both.

Question 20

Goiter (thyromegaly)

Answer 20

An abnormal, benign enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement produces a swelling in the front of the neck. A goiter usually occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs, either due to Graves’ disease, other medical conditions, or an iodine deficiency.

Question 21

Exophthalmos

Answer 21

An abnormal protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit

Question 22

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer 22

The overproduction of the parathyroid hormone, causes the condition known as hypercalcemia. Hyperparathyroidism can result from a disorder of the parathyroid gland or from a disorder elsewhere in the body, such as kidney failure.

Question 23

Hypoparathyroidism

Answer 23

Caused by an insufficient or absent secretion of the parathyroid hormone. This condition causes hypocalcemia, and in severe cases, it leads to tetany. Tetany is the condition of periodic, painful muscle spasms and tremors. Hypoparathyroidism is the opposite of hyperparathyroidism.

Question 24

Hypercalcemia

Answer 24

Characterized by abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood instead of being stored in the bones and teeth. This can lead to weakened bones and the formation of kidney stones.

Question 25

Hypocalcemia

Answer 25

Characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood

Question 26

Thymitis

Answer 26

Inflammation of the thymus gland

Question 27

IInsulinoma

Answer 27

A benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia by secreting additional insulin

Question 28

Pancreatitis

Answer 28

An inflammation of the panceras. A leading cause of pancreatitis is long-term alcohol abuse.

Question 29

Hyperglycemia

Answer 29

An abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia is seen primarily in patients with diabetes mellitus. The symptoms include polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria. Hyperglycemia is the opposite of hypoglycemia.

Question 30

Polydypsia

Answer 30

Excessive thirst

Question 31

Polyuria

Answer 31

Excessive hunger

Question 32

Hyperinsulinism

Answer 32

The condition of excessive secretion of insulin in the bloodstream. Hyperinsulinism can cause hypoglycemia.

Question 33

Hypoglycemia

Answer 33

An abnormally low concentration of glucose in the blood. Symptoms include nervousness and shakiness, confusion, perspiration, or feeling anxious or weak.

Question 34

Diabetes mellitus (DM)

Answer 34

The most common endocrine system disease, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in the body’s production of insulin (type 1) or its ability to use it properly (type 2). Diabetes mellitus is not related to diabetes insipidus.

Question 35

Juvenile diabetes

Answer 35

When a child developed diabetes, this condition was referred to as juvenile diabetes; however, the condition in children is now described as being either type 1 or type 2.

Question 36

Metabolic syndrome

Answer 36

A common combination of medical conditions, including increased blood pressure, elevated levels of insulin in the blood, excess body fat around the waist, or abnormal cholesterol levels. This syndrome increases the patient’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Question 37

Type 1 diabetes

Answer 37

An autoimmune insulin deficiency disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells. Insulin deficiency means that the pancreatic beta cells do not secrete enough insulin. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, weight loss, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, and slow healing. The onset of type 1 diabetes is often triggered by a viral infection. Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves a combination of diet, exercise and carefully regulated insulin replacement therapy administered by injection or insulin pump

Question 38

Type 2 diabetes

Answer 38

An insulin resistance disorder. Insulin resistance means that insulin is being produced, but the body does not use it effectively. In an attempt to compensate for this lack of response, the body secretes more insulin. With the rise of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in children and young adults. Obese adults are also at high risk for this condition.

Question 39

Prediabetes

Answer 39

A condition in which the blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. However, this condition indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. A person with type 2 diabetes might be asymptomatic for years. When symptoms do occur, they include those of type 1 diabetes plus recurring infections, irritability, and a tingling sensation in the hands or feet. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is usually diet, exercise, and oral medications (oral hypoglycemics and glucophages)

Question 40

Oral hypoglycemics

Answer 40

Lower blood glucose by causing the pancreas to release more insulin or by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Question 41

Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride)

Answer 41

Similar medications work within the cells to combat insulin resistance and to help insulin let blood glucose into the cells.

Question 42

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) (type 1.5 diabetes)

Answer 42

A condition in which type 1 diabetes develops in adults. It shares many of the characteristics of type 2 diabetes; however, autoimmune antibodies are present. LADA usually occurs in adults with a normal weight and family history of type 1 diabetes. It is estimated that at least 10% of adults with diabetes have LADA. It is treated with diet, exercise, oral medications, and insulin.

Question 43

Gestational diabetes mellitus

Answer 43

A form of diabetes mellitus that occurs during some pregnancies. This condition usually disappears after delivery; however, many of these women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

Question 44

Diabetic coma (diabetic ketoacidosis)

Answer 44

Caused by very high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Also known as diabetic ketoacidosis, this condition is treated by the prompt administration of insulin.

Question 45

Insulin shock

Answer 45

Caused by very low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Oral glucose, which is a sugary substance that can quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream, is consumed to rapidly raise the blood sugar level.

Question 46

Diabetic retinopathy

Answer 46

Occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This causes blood to leak into the posterior segment of the eyeball and produces the damage that causes the loss of vision

Question 47

Heart disease

Answer 47

Occurs because excess blood glucose makes the walls of the blood vessels sticky and rigid. This encourages hypertension and atherosclerosis and increases the risk of stroke

Question 48

Ketosis

Answer 48

A normal metabolic process that helps the body utilize stored fat when other sources of energy are lacking. An excessively high level of ketosis may indicate that the body is not producing enough insulin to convert glucose into energy.

Question 49

Kidney disease

Answer 49

Can lead to renal failure because damage to the blood vessels reduces blood flow through the kidneys

Question 50

Peripheral neuropathy

Answer 50

Damage to the nerves affecting the hands and feet which makes it harder to feel a cut or other injury

Question 51

Addison’s disease

Answer 51

Occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol or aldosterone. This potentially life-threatening condition is characterized by chronic, worsening fatigue and muscle weakness; loss of appetite; low blood pressure; and weight loss. Many patients also develop patches of dark skin.

Question 52

Adrenalitis

Answer 52

Inflammation of the adrenal glands

Question 53

Aldosteronism

Answer 53

An abnormality of the electrolyte balance that is caused by the excessive secretion of aldosterone.

Question 54

Conn’s syndrome

Answer 54

A disorder of the adrenal glands that is caused by the excessive production of aldosterone. This disease, which is a form of primary aldosteronism, can cause weakness, cramps, and convulsions.

Question 55

Pheochromocytoma

Answer 55

A rare, benign tumor of the adrenal gland that causes too much release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are the hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure

Question 56

Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism)

Answer 56

Caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Cortisol has an anti-inflammatory action and helps regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. Signs of Cushing’s syndrome include a rounded, red “moon” face. This condition can be caused by overproduction of cortisol by the body or by prolonged use of corticosteroids. These medications are used to treat inflammatory diseases such as asthma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis and to keep the body from rejecting transplanted organs or tissue.

Question 57

Hypergonadism

Answer 57

The condition of excessive secretion of hormones by the sex glands

Question 58

Hypogonadism

Answer 58

The condition of deficient secretion of hormones by the sex glands

Question 59

Gynecomastia

Answer 59

The condition of excessive mammary development in the male. This is caused by a decrease in testosterone.