Adrenal disease Flashcards
(15 cards)
List three differentials for an adrenal mass
adenoma carcinoma phaochromocytoma metastasis from elsewhere neuroblastoma
List three causes of cushing’s syndrome
pituitary disease
benign tumour of adrenal cortex
malignant tumour of adrenal cortex
ectopic ACTH production- bronchial tumour
What are the features of cushing’s syndrome?
obesity- moon face thin skin striae proximal muscle weakness diabetes HTN
List three investigations for cushing’s syndrome
dexamethasone suppression test urinary cortisol CT adrenal glands MRI head/pituitary CT chest abdo. CXR
What is the treatment for cushing’s syndrome?
Adrenal tumour- adrenalectomy + steroid replacement
Pituitary cause- irradiation, surgical removal of adenoma
Bilateral adrenalectomy- requires lifelong steroid replacement
Name two causes of hyperadosteronism
- Excessive renin production (liver renal cardiac disease)
2. Primary- Conn’s syndrome
What is another name for primary aldosteronism?
conn’s syndrome
What is the most common cause of Conn’s syndrome?
benign adrenal adenoma
What are the features of hyperaldosteronism?
HTN
headaches
hypokalaemia
muscle weakness
List three investigations for hyperaldosteronism
- serum potassium
- serum aldosterone levels
- plasma renin
- fludrocortisone suppression of aldosterone levels
- CT/MRI adrenal glands
What is the treatment for hyperaldosteronism?
Treat underlying disease
Correct hypokalaemia
Removal of adrenal gland in Conn’s syndrome
Bilateral adrenalectomy in adrenal hyperplasia
Name two ECG features of hypokalaemia
Inversion of T waves
QT prolongation
U wave
Mild ST depression
Which region of the adrenal gland does phaeochromocytoma stem from?
Adrenal medulla
List three features of phaeochromocytoma
HTN Palpatations Sweating Anxiety Chest/abdo pain
What is the treatment of phaeochromocytoma?
control of BP- Alpha and beta blockers
Surgical removal of tumour
