The Conn-undrum - Aldosterone
A 42 year old has resistant HTN, muscle cramps, and low potassium. Which endocrine disorder is most likely?
PRIMARY HYPERALDOSTERONISM/CONN SYNDROME
What is the clinical syndrome caused by chronic cortisol excess?
CUSHING SYNDROME
Which adrenal cortical zone produces adrenal androgens?
ZONA RETICULARIS
Which nervous system division regulates the adrenal medulla?
SNS
Which system is the main physiological regulator of aldosterone release?
RAAS
A condition in which high cortisol is a response to overproduction of ACTH by the pituitary is known as?
ACTH-DEPENDENT CUSHINGS
Which pituitary hormone stimulates the zona reticularis?
ACTH
Which adrenal tumour causes excess catecholamine secretion?
PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA
Which adrenal cortical zone is responsible for primary hyperaldosteronism?
ZONA GLOMERULOSA
A _____ suppression test is used to test if the HPA axis is functional.
DEXAMETHASONE
What is the term for development of male physical characteristics in females or prepubertal males caused by excess androgens?
VIRILISATION
What are the main cells of the adrenal medulla that produce catecholamines?
CHROMAFFIN CELLS
Which electrolyte would you expect to abnormally low in aldosterone excess?
POTASSIUM
Why does cortisol excess contribute to hyperglycemia (2 reasons for points!)?
CORTISOL INCREASES GLUCONEOGENESIS AND INSULIN RESISTANCE
Which enzyme deficiency is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?
21-HYDROXYLASE
What metabolites of catecholamines are commonly used to investigate phaeochromocytoma?
Metanephrines and normetanephrines