Retroperitoneum - Part 2

Question 1

Where does the right adrenal gland lay compared to the IVC? (2)

Answer 1

1. Posterior

2. Lateral

Question 2

Where does the left adrenal gland lay compared to the aorta?

Answer 2

Lateral

Question 3

Where does the left adrenal gland lay compared to the splenic artery and tail of the pancreas?

Answer 3

Posterior-medial

Question 4

What is the size of the adrenal glands in an adult? (L, W, H)

Answer 4

1. 3-5cm in length
2. 2-3cm in width
3. 1cm in height

Question 5

What arteries supply the adrenal gland? (3)

Answer 5

1. Superior suprarenal arteries
2. Middle suprarenal arteries
3. Inferior suprarenal arteries

Question 6

What does the superior suprarenal artery arise from?

Answer 6

The inferior phrenic artery

Question 7

Where does the middle suprarenal artery arise from?

Answer 7

The lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta

Question 8

Where does the inferior suprarenal artery arise from?

Answer 8

The renal artery

Question 9

Where does the right suprarenal vein drain into?

Answer 9

IVC

Question 10

Where does the left suprarenal vein drain into?

Answer 10

Left renal vein

Question 11

What is the normal US appearance of the adrenal glands? (4)

Answer 11

1. Solid
2. Hypo echoic
3. Crescent-shaped structures surrounded by echogenic fat
4. Harder to see in adults

Question 12

What is the normal US appearance of the adrenal glands in a neonate/child? (3)

Answer 12

1. It is very prominent
2. Hypo echoic cortex
3. Hyper echoic medulla

Question 13

What are indications for an adrenal gland exam? (7)

Answer 13

1. Hypertension
2. Abdominal distention
3. Severe anxiety
4. Sweating
5. Tachycardia
6. Weight loss
7. Diabetes mellitus

Question 14

ACTH

Answer 14

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone

Question 15

What is the normal range of ACTH?

Answer 15

10-80pg/mL

Question 16

What does ACTH do?

Answer 16

Regulates cortisol production

Question 17

Where is ACTH produced?

Answer 17

In the pituitary gland

Question 18

What is elevation of ACTH associated with? (3)

Answer 18

1. Adrenal tumour
2. Cushing disease
3. Lung tumour

Question 19

What is the normal range of recumbent aldosterone?

Answer 19

3-10ng/dL

Question 20

What is the normal range of erect aldosterone?

Answer 20

5-30ng/dL

Question 21

Where is aldosterone secreted by?

Answer 21

The cortex

Question 22

What does aldosterone regulate?

Answer 22

Sodium and water levels

- which affects blood volume and pressure

Question 23

What is elevation of aldosterone associated with?

Answer 23

Hyperaldosteronism

Question 24

What is a decrease of aldosterone associated with? (2)

Answer 24

1. Hypoaldosteronism

2. Addison disease

Question 25

What is the normal serum range for potassium?

Answer 25

3.5-5.0mEq/L

Question 26

What is potassium essential for?

Answer 26

Normal function of every organ system

Question 27

What does potassium maintain?

Answer 27

Necessary concentration of nutrients inside and outside of the cell

Question 28

What is an elevation of potassium associated with?

Answer 28

Addison disease

Question 29

What is a decrease of potassium associated with? (2)

Answer 29

1. Cushing disease | 2. Hyperaldosteronism

Question 30

What is the normal range of sodium?

Answer 30

135-145mEq/L

Question 31

What is sodium a major component in?

Answer 31

Determining blood volume

Question 32

What is a decrease of sodium associated with?

Answer 32

Addison disease