Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Gen Med (Endocrine) > Pituitary Disorders > Flashcards

Pituitary Disorders Flashcards

1
Q

What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary gland?

A

TSH, ACTH, GH, prolactin, LH/FSH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary gland?

A

Oxytocin and ADH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which hormones released from the anterior pituitary gland are trophic hormones, and are released from cells known as basophils?

A

TSH, ACTH and LH/FSH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Which hormones released from the anterior pituitary gland are non-trophic hormones, and are released from cells known as acidophils?

A

GH and prolactin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the most common pituitary tumour?

A

Pituitary adenoma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the definition of a microadenoma and macroadenoma?

A

Microadenoma = < 1cm, macroadenoma = > 1cm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

A non-functioning pituitary adenoma does not produce a hormone in excess but instead may cause what?

A

Generalised hypopituitarism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Pituitary adenomas may be sporadic or they may be associated with which genetic condition?

A

MEN1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the most common type of pituitary adenoma?

A

Prolactinoma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the second most common type of pituitary adenoma?

A

Non-functioning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the most common symptoms of a pituitary adenoma caused by a local pressure effect?

A

Headache, bitemporal hemianopia, palsy of cranial nerves III/IV/VI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which 3 investigations are required for everyone with a suspected pituitary adenoma?

A

Hormone profile, formal visual field testing, pituitary MRI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

When replacing hormones (in cases of panhypopituitarism for example), which hormone should be given first?

A

Hydrocortisone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Most pituitary surgery is carried out with what approach?

A

Trans-sphenoidal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What treatment can be used for residual or recurrent pituitary adenomas after surgery?

A

Radiotherapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why may fertility be reduced after surgery to remove a pituitary adenoma?

A

Decreased gonadotrophins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is pituitary apoplexy?

A

Rapid pituitary enlargement from a bleed into a tumour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How is the release of prolactin controlled?

A

It is under tonic inhibition by hypothalamic dopamine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are some physiological causes of hyperprolactinaemia?

A

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the most common cause of hyperprolactinaemia?

A

Drugs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are some examples of drugs which may cause hyperprolactinaemia?

A

Metoclopramide, anti-psychotics, oestrogens, ecstasy/MDMA

22
Q

What other endocrine abnormality may cause hyperprolactinaemia as a result?

A

Hypothyroidism

23
Q

Hyperprolactinaemia tends to present earlier in which gender?

A

Females

24
Q

If the lowest GH level during an OGTT is above what value, acromegaly can be diagnosed?

A

1mcg/L

25
Q

Both bromocriptine and cabergoline are associated with what severe side effect? How should this be monitored?

A

Pulmonary/cardiac/retroperitoneal fibrosis - monitor with ECHO

26
Q

What is the second line treatment for a prolactinoma?

A

Trans-sphenoidal surgery

27
Q

When should the GH antagonist pegvisomant be used in the treatment of acromegaly?

A

In those who are intolerant of a somatostatin analogue

28
Q

What hormone, released from the hypothalamus, increases secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland?

A

Growth hormone releasing hormone

29
Q

What hormone, released from the hypothalamus, decreases secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland?

A

Somatostatin

30
Q

What effect does a high-dose dexamethasone suppression test have on plasma cortisol levels in those with Cushing’s disease?

A

May more than halve the level

31
Q

If an increased level of growth hormone occurs before the onset of puberty, what does this cause?

A

Pituitary gigantism

32
Q

What are the main complications of acromegaly?

A

Impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes, vascular disease, cardiomyopathy, increased risk of colonic cancer

33
Q

A high glucose level usually has what effect on growth hormone?

A

Decreases GH

34
Q

If basal serum GH is increased and/or if IGF-1 is increased, what investigation is indicated?

A

OGTT

35
Q

What are the potential causes of panhypopituitarism?

A

Pituitary tumour, surgery or irradiation

36
Q

What is the first line treatment for acromegaly?

A

Trans-sphenoidal surgery

37
Q

If surgery fails to correct GH/IGF-1 levels, what are some second line options that can be tried next?

A

Somatostatin analogue (octreotide) or radiotherapy

38
Q

Is Cushing’s disease more likely to be caused by a micro or macroadenoma?

A

Microadenoma

39
Q

What effect does a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test have on plasma cortisol levels in those with Cushing’s disease?

A

No effect

40
Q

If the source of Cushing’s disease is undetectable, what treatment can be useful?

A

Bilateral adrenalectomy

41
Q

Where does a craniopharyngioma arise from?

A

Rathke’s pouch

42
Q

What is the commonest childhood intra-cranial tumour?

A

Craniopharyngioma

43
Q

How do craniopharyngiomas in childhood present?

A

Growth failure

44
Q

In what order are anterior pituitary hormones affected by panhypopituitarism?

A

GH - LH/FSH - prolactin - TSH - ACTH

45
Q

When does Sheehan’s syndrome usually present?

A

After a delivery involving post-partum haemorrhage

46
Q

What effect does Sheehan’s syndrome have?

A

Panhypopituitarism

47
Q

What investigation is used in panhypopituitarism to assess the adrenal axis?

A

Short Synacthen test

48
Q

What investigation is used in panhypopituitarism to assess the adrenal and growth hormone axes?

A

Insulin tolerance test

49
Q

What imaging investigation is indicated in an individual with panhypopituitarism?

A

Pituitary MRI

50
Q

How is panhypopituitarism treated?

A

Hormone replacement and treatment of the underlying cause

Gen Med (Endocrine) (12 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions