Adrenal Disorders – Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma: A catecholamine-producing tumour derived from the chromaffin cells (of the adrenal medulla/ outside the adrenal medulla) Dusky coloured tumor 10% tumour bilateral disease (10%) malignant (10%) located in chromaffin tissue OUTSIDE the adrenal gland (10%) arise in childhood (10%) familial (10%) recur after being resected (10%) Can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait…

Adrenal disorders – Adrenocortical Insufficiency

Deficiency of any of the adrenocorticoid steroid hormones Hypoadrenalism Reduced adrenocortical function Deficient synthesis of steroid hormones ACTH deficiency – Can’t stimulate the adrenal cortex Primary Adrenocortical insufficiency Disease of the adrenal gland Acute: Adrenal crisis Sudden loss of adrenocortical function caused by: Bilateral adrenalectomy (as a treatment of cortical hyperfunction & hypertension) Septicaemia (from…

Adrenal disorders – Adrenogenital syndrome

Adrenal virilism: The development or premature development of male secondary sexual characteristics caused by male sex hormones (androgens) excessively produced by the adrenal gland. This disorder can occur before birth and can lead to sexual abnormalities in newborns. It can also occur in girls and women later in life. Boys will gain sexual maturation faster…

Adrenal Disorders – Hyperaldosteronism

Frequent in adult females Primary Hyperaldosteronism Also known as Conn’s Syndrome Overproduction of aldosterone Adrenal cortex lesion: -Adrenocortical adenoma -Adrenal carcinoma -Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (in children) Associated with low plasma renin levels (positive feedback? due to increased blood volume from the action of aldosterone, initiating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) Low K+ level (in exchange of Na+…

Adrenal Disorders – Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s Syndrome Chronic hypercortisolism due to excessive production of cortisol 20-40 years of age 3 times higher frequency in women Pituitary Cushing’s syndrome Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome Pituitary Cushing’s syndrome (60-70%) Cushing’s disease Excessive ACTH, due to Pituitary lesion: corticotroph adenoma, multiple corticotroph microadenoma hypothalamic origin: excessive CRH secretion –>…

Psychoneuroimmunology

Psycho-neuro-immunology: Study of the interaction between psychological processes & the nervous & immune systems of the human body. Coined by Ader How stress & anxiety can affect one’s immune system Link between what we think & our health & ability to heal ourselves Stress & negative emotions: heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, delayed wound healing &…

Physiology of Stress

Stress: Dynamic state within the body resulting from the interaction of the body with the stressor. Stressors: Stimuli that impose strain on body homeostasis. Types of stressors: Physiological pregnancy adolescence mating ageing Physical orthostasis (upright standing position) exertion trauma infection Metabolic hypoxia hypoglycemia acidosis External/ Environmental loud noise air polution bright light threats Mental/Psychological anger…

Adrenal Steroid Hormones

Basic Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands   The adrenal glands consists of 2 regions: 1) Adrenal Cortex Outer region Encapsulates the medullary region Secretes: Steroid hormones (corticosteroids, mainly C19, C21) 2) Adrenal Medulla Inner region Composed of: modified sympathetic ganglion cells (nervous) Secrets: Epinenephine & norepinephrine (catecholamines) Adrenal Cortex It contains cells with large amounts…

PBL: Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Keywords: 28 y/o female marketing executive thirsty often urinate frequently ongoing: 3 months drinks 8-16 glasses of water & several cans of juice in 2-3 hours consumes caffeine-free drinks & non-alcoholic drinks only tried limiting fluid intake – no improvement otherwise healthy, no past medical history Sodium high Osmolality high Water deprivation test – urine…

Adverse Drug Effects & Drug Interactions

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