Cushing's Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment

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Questions and Answers

What is the opposite of Cushing's syndrome?

Pituitary tumour

Addison's disease (correct)

Adrenal insufficiency

Hypopituitarism

The symptoms of Addison's disease appear when one adrenal gland suffers a 90% loss of function.

False

What are the two main hormones underproduced in Addison's disease?

cortisol and aldosterone

Addison's disease is also referred to as _______________________ adrenal insufficiency.

primary Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of Cushing's syndrome?

Adenoma of the anterior pituitary Signup and view all the answers

Match the adrenal disorders with their descriptions.

Cushing's syndrome = Resulting from overproduction of cortisol Addison's disease = Resulting from underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main treatment for pituitary tumours causing Cushing's syndrome?

Surgery or radiotherapy Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Addison's disease is characterized by too much cortisol produced.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is Cushing's syndrome characterized by?

Too much cortisol produced Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Hyperaldosteronism is characterized by decreased blood pressure.

False Signup and view all the answers

Example question?

example answer Signup and view all the answers

The ______ barked

dog Signup and view all the answers

Match the following programming languages with their primary usage:

Python = General-purpose programming JavaScript = Client-side scripting for web applications SQL = Database queries CSS = Styling web pages Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the pituitary gland?

Causes hormone production and secretion which signal/control other organs of the endocrine system Signup and view all the answers

The pituitary gland is located in the pelvic cavity.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hypersecretion?

Too much of a hormone produced Signup and view all the answers

The pituitary gland is composed of two key lobes: the _ (i.e.front) pituitary gland and the _ (i.e.back) pituitary gland.

anterior posterior Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of hyposecretion of hormones?

Too little of a hormone produced Signup and view all the answers

Match the following organs with their locations:

Thyroid = Neck Pituitary gland = Cranial cavity Thymus = Chest, between lungs Adrenal = Abdominal cavity Signup and view all the answers

The pituitary gland is controlled by hormonal signals from the thyroid gland.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pituitary gland in regulating the thyroid gland?

Signals/control hormone production and secretion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Imaging and Diagnosis

Utilizes magnetic fields and imaging software to create detailed images

Cushing's Syndrome

Treatment depends on the exact cause
For steroid medication, treatment involves gradual reduction in dose or replacement with non-steroid alternatives
For pituitary tumours (adenoma) or adrenal tumours, treatment is usually surgery or radiotherapy

Addison's Disease

Also referred to as primary adrenal insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency, adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hypofunction, or hypocortisolism
Rare disorder resulting from underproduction of cortisol from zona fasciculata and aldosterone from zona glomerulosa
Both adrenal glands must suffer 90% loss of function before symptoms appear
Essentially the opposite of Cushing's syndrome

Endocrine System

10 major endocrine organs/glands
- Hypothalamus
- Posterior pituitary
- Anterior pituitary
- Pineal
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Adrenal
- Ovaries (female) or Testes (male)

Endocrine Disorders

Generally categorized into two types:
- Hyper- or hyposecretion of hormones
  - Hypersecretion: too much of a hormone produced
  - Hyposecretion: too little of a hormone produced
- Those resulting from tumours or lesions which do not always affect hormone levels

Pituitary Gland

Situated at the base of the brain, inferior to the hypothalamus
Controlled by hormonal signals from the hypothalamus
Primary role: causes hormone production and secretion, signaling and controlling other endocrine organs
Often referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system
Composed of two key lobes: anterior and posterior pituitary gland

Cushing's Syndrome Symptoms

Hypersecretion of glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol)
- High cortisol
- Increased lipolysis (breakdown of fat)
- Increased protein catabolism (breakdown of protein)
- Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)
- Obesity
- Redistribution of body fat
- Upper back
- Chest
- Face – rounding (‘moon face’)
- Abdomen
- Arms
Hypersecretion of aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism)
- High aldosterone
- Water retention (oedema)
- Increased blood volume
- Increased blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Muscle weakness (atrophy) – typically in arms and thighs
- Hypokalaemia (low blood potassium)
Hypersecretion of androgens
- Development of male characteristics in females
- Cessation of menstrual cycle

Cushing's Syndrome Causes

Adenoma of the anterior pituitary (Cushing's disease)
- Accounts for approximately 70% of Cushing's syndrome cases
- Increased ACTH causes hypersecretion of glucocorticoids

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Description

Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's syndrome, including the role of magnetic fields and imaging software, and the different approaches to managing the condition.