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Describe the causes, manifestations & treatment of Addison Syndrome & Cushing Syndrome. References: Porth, Esentials, Ch. 31 Porth, Pathophysiology, Ch. 42
Addison Disease - 1
Addison Disease is a rare Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Disorder in which the adrenal cortex is destroyed causing a deficiency of adrenal corticoid hormones & increased plasma levels of ACTH. CAUSES of Addison Disease include Autoimmune: most common form in developed countries. TB is most common cause where TB is prevalent. Viral Infections & Fungal Infections (especially histoplasmosis) e.g. with AIDS patients. Metastatic carcinomas
Functions of Aldosterone
Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium balance by causing the kidney to - excrete potassium - reabsorb sodium. Aldosterone is secreted in response to - low blood volume - low blood pressure - low blood [sodium] - high blood [potassium]
Manifestations of Addison Disease only appear when about 90 % of the adrenal gland is destroyed. Manifestations of Addison Disease result from Lack of Aldosterone Lack of Glucocorticoids Elevated ACTH.
fever
Cushing Syndrome
Cushing Syndrome refers to disorder causing hypersecretion of adrenal corticoid hormones from whatever cause. Cushing Syndrome if untreated produces serious morbidity, or death. There are 4 causes Pituitary hypersecretion of ACTH from a pituitary
tumor (classic Cushing Disease)
Moon face
ESR25-19
Central Adiposity
ESR25-20
Bruising
ESR25-21