MLAB 2401: Clinical Chemistry Keri Brophy-Martinez Disorders of the Adrenal Gland

Hypoaldosteronism Addison’s Disease Cause: primary adrenal problem or ACTH deficiency Symptoms: weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss Diagnosis: low baseline cortisol levels & ACTH > 200 pg/mL

Hypercortisolism Caused by overproduction of CRH, ACTH, adrenal glucocorticoid secretion and exogenous intake Conditions Adrenal adenoma/carcinoma Exogenous administration of cortisol Cushing syndrome

Cushing’s Syndrome Caused by excess glucocorticoid production or prolonged exogenous steroid use Clinical features Increased serum cortisol Weight gain in face and abdomen Buffalo hump back Muscle wasting

Cushing’s Syndrome

Adrenal Medulla Disorders

Pheochromocytoma Benign tumor of adrenal medulla Increased levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine

Neuroblastoma Malignant tumor found in children Increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine and dopamine Results Increase in HVA and VMA urinary excretion