A 60-year-old man comes in for a check-up after visiting the emergency room for a cough. The patient was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, and the symptoms were alleviated by symptomatic treatment. During that visit, a chest x-ray revealed no lung abnormalities, but the bones appeared osteopenic. There is no bone pain and no fractures, according to the patient. He has had radiation therapy for prostate cancer and is currently taking leuprolide. The patient has no other health issues and no known drug allergies. He enjoys a glass of wine every day and does not use tobacco or illegal drugs. He follows a healthy diet and exercises on a regular basis Blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg and pulse is 80/min. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DX A) scan shows low bone mineral density. Which of the following is the most likely underlying mechanism of the observed finding in this patient?

Question

A 60-year-old man comes in for a check-up after visiting the emergency room for a cough. The patient was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, and the symptoms were alleviated by symptomatic treatment. During that visit, a chest x-ray revealed no lung abnormalities, but the bones appeared osteopenic. There is no bone pain and no fractures, according to the patient. He has had radiation therapy for prostate cancer and is currently taking leuprolide. The patient has no other health issues and no known drug allergies. He enjoys a glass of wine every day and does not use tobacco or illegal drugs. He follows a healthy diet and exercises on a regular basis Blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg and pulse is 80/min.  Physical examination shows no abnormalities.  A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DX A) scan shows low bone mineral density.  Which of the following is the most likely underlying mechanism of the observed finding in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Long-term use of GnRH agonists (for example, leuprolide) suppresses pituitary LH release and reduces testosterone production. Lower circulating testosterone levels have a clinical effect similar to surgical orchiectomy and can result in accelerated bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

A 60-Year-Old Man Comes in for a Check-Up After Visiting