Week 9 Flashcards
What are the three layers of the adrenal cortex and their functions?
Zona Glomerulosa: Produces aldosterone (mineralocorticoids) for sodium retention.
Zona Fasciculata: Produces cortisol (glucocorticoids) for metabolism and stress response.
Zona Reticularis: Produces androgens (DHEA) for secondary sex characteristics.
What are the key symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome?
Truncal obesity, moon face, muscle weakness, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis.
How to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome
Elevate cortisol, cortisol in urine,
Dexamethasone suppression test, to suppress cortisol levels, if less than <50mmol/l then CS can be ruled out
ACTH is detectable
CT or MRI of the adrenal gland will show a mass in adrenal Cushing’s
syndrome.
What is Conn’s Syndrome?
Excess aldosterone production causing Severe hypertension; hypokalaemia
What is the treatment for Conn’s Syndrome?
Firstly identified via elevated aldosterone:renin ratio,
Surgical removal of adenoma or aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone).
What are the common symptoms of pheochromocytoma?
Episodic hypertension, sweating, palpitations, headaches.
How to identify pheochromocytoma?
Clondinine suppression test, which suppresses catecholamine concentrations
CT or MRI showing large adrenal tumour
Addison’s disease and how to diagnose
Adrenal failure, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency
To diagnose:
<50nmmol/l cortisol, Aldosterone low, renin high,
Detection of Adrenal autoantibodies
How to treat addisons
Acute treatment:
Intravenous hydrocortisone; intravenous fluid; monitor glucose levels to avoid
hypoglycaemia
Chronic treatment:
to replace glucocorticoids oral hydrocortisone (cortisol) given 2 to 3 times a day
When salt is lost in the urine what is the response of the kidney
Kidney increases release of renin into the circulation
