The pituitary and parathyroid gland Flashcards
Give examples of conditions that can affect the pituitary gland
- Acromegaly
- Hypoparathyroidism
What is acromegaly caused by
Growth hormone excess as a result of a pituitary tumour
What can increased growth hormone in adults cause
Gradual widening and coarsening of bones and growth of soft tissues
Describe the facial features of a patient with acromegaly
- Enlargement of the nose and brow ridges
- Thick lips
- Enlarged tongue
- prognathism
- Malocclusion
What are some of the signs and symptoms of acromegaly
- Thick hands described as spade like
- pts may increase size of hats, gloves, rings and shoes
- Joint deformities and arthritis
- Insulin resistance resulting in glucose intolerance
- Hypertension
What can a pituitary tumour cause
- Headaches
- Compression of the optic chasm resulting in visual field defects
- Damage to these crossing fibres results in loss of the temporal or lateral half of the field in both eyes
How is a diagnosis of acromegaly confirmed
By measuring plasma levels of growth hormones and insulin like growth factor 1
How is acromegaly treated
ideally by transsphenoidal surgery to remove the tumour.
If this is not possible, radiotherapy can be used.
What can pituitary tumours cause
Prolactin
Pituitary failure
What does prolactin result in
Failure to menstruate and milk production in women
The parathyroid glandsWhat are patients with pituitary disease given
- Replacements are thyroxine and cortisol.
- Pts of reproductive age are given oestrogen or testosterone replacement
- Growth hormone replacement
Where are the parathyroid glands situated
Posterior to the thyroid gland
Give examples of diseases that affect the parathyroid glands
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
What do the parathyroid hormones secrete
Parathyroid hormone
What does the parathyroid do
Regulates calcium homeostasis
