Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a potential consequence of a complete loss of circulating glucocorticoids?
What is a potential consequence of a complete loss of circulating glucocorticoids?
- Irreversible hypotension and death (correct)
- Increased energy levels
- Increased sodium levels
- Elevated mood
What are some signs and symptoms of a gradual reduction in cortisol function?
What are some signs and symptoms of a gradual reduction in cortisol function?
- Malaise, fatigue, hyponatremia with hyperkalemia (correct)
- Increased energy and well-being
- Hypernatremia and hypokalemia
- Reduced thirst
What might a patient with sudden acute adrenal insufficiency experience if plasma cortisol levels decline to nil?
What might a patient with sudden acute adrenal insufficiency experience if plasma cortisol levels decline to nil?
- Improved sleep quality
- Stable blood pressure
- Abdominal pain syndrome and vomiting (correct)
- Increased appetite and weight gain
What is a possible progression of symptoms in patients with precipitously declining plasma cortisol levels?
What is a possible progression of symptoms in patients with precipitously declining plasma cortisol levels?
In severe cases of sudden acute adrenal insufficiency leading to hypotension, how do patients typically respond to treatment with catecholamine infusion?
In severe cases of sudden acute adrenal insufficiency leading to hypotension, how do patients typically respond to treatment with catecholamine infusion?
Flashcards
Acute adrenal insufficiency
Acute adrenal insufficiency
A sudden decline in adrenal function leading to severe health issues.
Signs of cortisol decline
Signs of cortisol decline
Symptoms include malaise, fatigue, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia.
Abdominal pain syndrome
Abdominal pain syndrome
Abdominal pain occurring in patients with low cortisol levels.
Irreversible hypotension
Irreversible hypotension
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Prostration and coma
Prostration and coma
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Study Notes
Sudden Acute Adrenal Insufficiency
- Clinical findings are often nonspecific.
- Severe cases present with sudden, dramatic drops in plasma cortisol levels, leading to:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Tender abdomen
- Prostration
- Coma
- Hypotension unresponsive to catecholamine treatment.
Gradual Cortisol Reduction
- Patients with a gradual decrease in cortisol function show:
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Hyponatremia
- Hyperkalemia
Complete Loss of Circulating Glucocorticoids
- Can result in death within hours due to irreversible hypotension.
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Description
Adrenal insufficiency presents differently based on onset. Sudden cases show severe symptoms like abdominal pain and coma. Gradual decline leads to malaise and electrolyte imbalances. Complete loss of glucocorticoids can cause fatal hypotension.
