Adrenal Pathology

Question 1

Glucocorticoids :
Two examples
Where is it produced
What do they do

Answer 1

Examples: cortisol, prednisolone
Produced: Adrenal cortex (zona fasciculata + reticularis)
Function: carbohydrate metabolism
- increase fat deposition, gluconeogenesis, suppress immune system

Question 2

Mineralocortoids:
Main example
Where is it produced
What do they do

Answer 2

Example: Aldosterone is main one
Produced: Adrenal cortex (zona glomerulosa)
Function: Affect Na + K balance at distal tubules

Question 3

Androgens:
Where they are produced
What they are metabolised to

Answer 3

Produced: Adrenal cortex (zona fasciculata + reticularis)

Metabolised to: Testosterone + dihydrotestosterone

Question 4

Catecholamines:
Two examples
Where are they produced
What do they do

Answer 4

Examples: Adrenaline + Noradrenaline
Produced: Adrenal Medulla
Function: Sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitters

Question 5

What are the main causes of Hyperaldosteronism

Answer 5

• Benign adenoma (Conn’s): 66%

- Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia: 30%

Question 6

What are the clinical features of Hyperaldosteronism

Answer 6

• Treatment resistant HTN

- Hypokalaemia (normal if low salt intake)

Question 7

What are the investigations for Hyperaldosteronism

Answer 7

• Aldosterone:renin ratio (raised)
• U+Es: low potassium
• CT adrenal glands: to define pathology

Question 8

What is the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism

Answer 8

Conn’s: surgery

Other cause: Spironolactone