Question 1

A 49-year-old female is diagnosed with hypercortisolism. An increase in which of the following would be expected?

Accepted Answer

Hypercortisolism is also known as Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by an excess of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that promotes gluconeogenesis, the breakdown of proteins and fats, and inhibits glucose uptake by muscles and adipose tissue. Therefore, an increase in protein catabolism and liver gluconeogenesis would be expected in this condition.

Question 2

A 50-year-old female presents with lightheadedness and overall abnormal feelings. CT scan reveals an adrenal cortical tumor. Lab tests reveal that the tumor is hormone secreting. Which of the following would be expected?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal cortical tumors that secrete hormones, such as aldosterone or cortisol, can cause electrolyte imbalances. In this case, aldosterone secretion from the tumor would lead to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys, causing hypokalemia. Increased renin levels and hypotension would be expected in cases of primary aldosteronism, but this is not necessarily the case with an adrenal cortical tumor. Hyponatremia would not be expected in this scenario.

Question 3

The body's inability to conserve water and sodium when affected by Addison disease is explained by which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone is responsible for regulating the body's water and sodium balance. In Addison disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough aldosterone, leading to the inability to conserve water and sodium.

Question 4

The most common cause of Addison disease is:

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of Addison disease is an autoimmune reaction, where the body's own immune system attacks the adrenal glands, leading to insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone hormones.

Question 5

A 35-year-old female took corticosteroid therapy for several months. Which of the following would be expected?

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroid therapy is known to increase blood glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance and ultimately causing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Renal toxicity is usually associated with prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while hirsutism may be a side effect of androgen therapy. Episodes of hypoglycemia are unlikely with corticosteroid therapy as they tend to increase blood glucose levels.

Question 6

Mental status changes and muscle weakness in people with Addison disease are primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Mental status changes and muscle weakness in people with Addison disease are primarily caused by hypoglycemia, which occurs due to insufficient cortisol production. Hyperkalemia can also occur, but is not the primary cause of these symptoms. Severe metabolic acidosis and glucose intolerance are not typically associated with Addison disease.

Question 7

A 30-year-old female presents with hypertension, headache, tachycardia, impaired glucose tolerance, and weight loss. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of hypertension, headache, tachycardia, impaired glucose tolerance, and weight loss are classic signs of a pheochromocytoma. Addison disease would present with hypotension and weight loss, Conn disease would present with hypertension and hypokalemia, and Cushing disease would present with hypertension, weight gain, and glucose intolerance.

Question 8

What is the cause of the hyperpigmentation seen in people with Cushing syndrome and Addison disease?

Accepted Answer

Elevated levels of ACTH lead to increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which causes hyperpigmentation.

Quiz 18: Alterations of Hormonal Regulation