Adrenal Disorders Flashcards
What is the common name for primary adrenal failure
Addison’s disease
What is Addison’s disease
Primary adrenal failure
What are the causes of Addison’s disease
Autoimmune disease where the immune system wipes out the adrenal cortex
Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands
What are the clinical features of Addison’s
P - postural hypotension
E - everywhere tans
S - salt loss
H - high potassium
Why may Addison’s sufferers have a tan
When POMC is cleaved to form ACTH, MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone) is also produced
How do you treat Addison’s
Rehydrate with saline
Dextrose to prevent hypoglycaemia
What are some key clinical features of excess cortisol
weight gain Striae Proximal myopathy hypertension Moon face Intrascapular fat pad Protein loss Thin skin and easy bruising
What is Cushing’s disease
An excess of cortisol or other glucocorticoid
What are the causes of Cushing’s
Steroid use
Pituitary adenoma produces ACTH
Lung cancer cells produce ACTH
Adrenal adenoma or carcinoma
What are the clinical features of Cushing’s
T- Thin skin H- Hypertension E- Easy bruising M- Moon face P- Proximal myopathy I- Immunosupression C- Centripetal obesity
What is Conn’s syndrome
Adenoma in the zona glomerulosa produces aldosterone
What is the name of the syndrome by which an adenoma produces aldosterone
Conn’s
What are the clinical features of Conn’s
Hypertension
Oedema
Low blood potassium
High blood sodium
