Pathophysiology of Common Endocrine Conditions

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the pathophysiology of common endocrine conditions, highlighting key terms and definitions.

Hormone excess

Occurs when a gland secretes too much hormone, or when a tumor or ectopic tissue produces hormones independently.

Hormone deficiency

Results from destruction, atrophy, or suppression of an endocrine gland, or failure of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis to stimulate it.

Autoimmune endocrine disorders

The immune system mistakenly targets endocrine tissue, leading to inflammation and cell destruction.

Genetic endocrine disorders

Inherited gene mutations that may impair hormone synthesis, receptor function, or signal transduction.

Acquired causes of endocrine dysfunction

Includes trauma, infection, neoplastic processes, iatrogenic causes, and vascular compromise.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Occurs when autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells causes an absolute deficiency of Insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Characterized by Insulin resistance and/or failure to produce enough Insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycaemia.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

An acute complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycaemia, dehydration, and metabolic acidosis.

Microvascular complications of diabetes

Include diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy due to protein glycation and oxidative stress.

Macrovascular complications

Result from accelerated atherosclerosis and include coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease.

Graves’ Disease

An autoimmune disorder characterized by overproduction of thyroid hormones due to stimulation of the thyroid by autoantibodies.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys thyroid tissue leading to hypothyroidism.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Occurs due to excess cortisol levels, leading to widespread tissue damage and dysfunction.

Addison’s Disease

A condition of adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal cortex is damaged, leading to low levels of cortisol and aldosterone.

Conn’s Syndrome

Also known as Primary Hyperaldosteronism; characterized by excess aldosterone production from the adrenal cortex.

Phaeochromocytoma

A tumor of the adrenal medulla that produces excessive amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline, causing hypertension.

Acromegaly

A disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, leading to tissue and organ enlargement.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Inadequate secretion of growth hormone, resulting in short stature in children and reduced muscle mass in adults.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition characterized by excessive urination due to deficiency of Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) or kidney resistance to ADH.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)

Characterized by excessive water reabsorption due to high ADH levels, leading to water retention and hyponatraemia.

Hyperparathyroidism

Condition characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypercalcaemia and related complications.

Hypoparathyroidism

Condition where the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, resulting in low calcium levels and neuromuscular irritability.

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes

Clusters of autoimmune endocrine diseases that occur due to breakdown of immune tolerance.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

A group of inherited enzyme deficiencies impairing adrenal cortisol production, leading to hormone excess and deficiency.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)

Inherited disorders causing tumor formation in multiple endocrine glands and hormonal overproduction.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

A condition where individuals with a genetically male karyotype are unable to respond to androgens due to receptor mutations.

Sheehan’s syndrome

Postpartum necrosis of the pituitary gland due to severe blood loss, leading to panhypopituitarism.

Endocrine Pathophysiology

The study of how dysfunctions in the endocrine system affect bodily functions, including hormone excess, deficiency, autoimmune conditions, genetic issues, and acquired causes.

Hormone excess

A condition where a gland secretes too much hormone, potentially due to tumors or autoimmune stimulation, leading to overstimulation of target tissues.

Autoimmune endocrine disorder

A disorder where the immune system erroneously attacks endocrine tissue, resulting in inflammation and destruction of glands.

Cushing's Syndrome

A disorder caused by excess cortisol levels, leading to symptoms such as central obesity and hypertension.

Addison's Disease

Primary adrenal insufficiency characterized by low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, resulting from damage to the adrenal cortex.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder where autoantibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism and resulting in symptoms like weight loss and heat intolerance.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks thyroid tissue, leading to hypothyroidism.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of diseases characterized by chronic high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

An acute complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar, ketone body production, and metabolic acidosis.

Hyperparathyroidism

A condition where there is excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels and associated complications.

Hypoparathyroidism

A condition characterized by insufficient parathyroid hormone production, leading to low calcium and high phosphate levels, causing neuromuscular irritability.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

A genetic disorder where individuals with XY chromosomes cannot respond to androgens, affecting sexual differentiation.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

A group of inherited disorders affecting adrenal hormone production, leading to hormonal imbalances.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)

Inherited disorders characterized by tumors in multiple endocrine glands, leading to hormone overproduction.

Sheehan's Syndrome

Pituitary gland failure due to severe blood loss during or after childbirth, resulting in multiple hormone deficiencies.

SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone secretion, leading to water retention and hyponatremia.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition characterized by excessive urination due to ADH deficiency, resulting in dilute urine.

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes (APS)

Clusters of autoimmune endocrine diseases that occur together due to immune tolerance breakdown.

Macrovacular diabetic complications

Complications of diabetes resulting from accelerated atherosclerosis, affecting large blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Microvascular diabetic complications

Complications affecting small blood vessels, such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.