Endocrine Pathology and Tests

Question 1

hyperthyroidism

Answer 1

overactivity of the thyroid gland; thyrotoxicosis. Most common form is Graves disease (autoimmune).. Results in increased heart rate, higher body temp, hyperactivity, weight loss, increased peristalsis, and exophthalmos.

Question 2

hypothyroidism

Answer 2

underactivity of the thyroid gland. Fatigue, muscular and mental sluggishness, weight gain, fluid retention, slow heart rate, low body temp, and constipation. Two examples are myxedema (adulthood) and cretinism (childhood).

Question 3

thyroid carcinoma

Answer 3

cancer of the thyroid gland.

Question 4

hyperparathyroidism

Answer 4

excessive production of parathormone. Hypercalcemia occurs; bones become decalcified, with generalized loss of bone density; kidney stones can occur. Treatment is resection of the overactive tissue

Question 5

hypoparathyroidism

Answer 5

deficient production of parathyroid hormone. Hypocalcemia results as calcium remains in bones and is unable to enter the bloodstream; leads to muscle and nerve weakness with spasms of muscles (tetany: constant muscle contraction)

Question 6

adrenal virilism

Answer 6

Hypersecretion. excessive secretion of adrenal androgens. Signs and symptoms include amenorrhea, hirsutism (excessive hair on face and body), acne, and deepening of the voice.

Question 7

Cushing syndrome

Answer 7

Hypersecretion. group of signs and symptoms produced by excess cortisol from the adrenal cortex. obesity, moon-like fullness of the face, excess deposition of fat in the thoracic region of the back etc

Question 8

Addison disease

Answer 8

Hyposecretion. hypofunctioning of the adrenal cortex.

Question 9

pheochromocytoma

Answer 9

Hypersecretion. benign tumor of the adrenal medulla; tumor cells stain a dark or dusky color.

Question 10

hyperinsulinism

Answer 10

excess secretion of insulin causing hypoglycemia. Cause may be a tumor of the pancreas or an overdose of insulin.

Question 11

diabetes mellitus (DM)

Answer 11

Hyposecretion. Lack of insulin secretion or resistance of insulin in promoting sugar, starch, and fat metabolism in cells

Question 12

Type 1 diabetes

Answer 12

Usually occurs before age 30. Abrupt, rapid onset of symptoms; little or no insulin production; thin or normal boedy weight at onset; ketoacidosis (fats are improperly burned, leading to an accumulation of ketones and acids in the body) often occurs; symptoms are polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Treatment is insulin

Question 13

Type 2 diabetes

Answer 13

Usually occurs after age 30; gradual onset, asymptomatic; insulin usually present; 85% are obese; ketoacidosis seldom occurs; Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are sometimes seen; treatment is diet and oral hypoglycemic or insulin

Question 14

acromegaly

Answer 14

Hypersecretion of gowth hormone from the anterior pituitary after puberty, leading to enlargement of extremities.

Question 15

gigantism

Answer 15

hypersecretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary before puberty, leading to abnormal overgrowth of body tissues

Question 16

dwarfism

Answer 16

congenital hyposecretion of growth hormone; hypopituitary dwarfism

Question 17

panhypopituitarism

Answer 17

deficiency of all pituitary hormones

Question 18

syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)

Answer 18

excessive secretion of ADH

Question 19

diabetes insipidus (DI)

Answer 19

insufficient secretion of ADH (vasopressin). Causes the kidney tubules to fail to hold back (reabsorb) needed water and salts. Causes polyuria and polydipsia.

Question 20

fasting plasma glucose (FPG)

Answer 20

also known as fasting blood sugar test. Measures circulating glucose level in a patient who has fasted at least 8 hours. Can diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Question 21

serum and urine tests

Answer 21

measurement of hormones, electrolytes, glucose, and other substances in serum (blood) and urine as indicators of endocrine function.

Question 22

thyroid function tests

Answer 22

measurement of T3, T4, and TSH in the bloodstream