Endocrinology Teaching

• What is Conn's syndrome?

  Primary hyperaldosteronism

  Excessive secretion of aldosterone from adrenal glands

  Characterised by HTN, hypernatraemia, hypokalaemia & low renin levels
• What can primary hyperaldosteronism be due to?

  Adrenal hyperplasia

  Adrenal adenoma

  Familial hyperaldosteronism

  Aldosterone-secreting adrenal malignancy
• What is secondary hyperaldosteronism?

  Excessive renin secretion -> leads to excessive aldosterone release
• What are some potential causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism?

  Renal artery stenosis

  HF

  Liver cirrhosis
• What are the signs & symptoms of Conn's syndrome?

  Headache

  Vision changes

  HTN

  SOB

  Dizziness

  Hypokalaemia

  Muscle weakness

  Tingling/numbness
• How is Conn's syndrome diagnosed?

  Aldosterone : renin ratio

  • high aldosterone, low renin = primary
  • high aldosterone, high renin = secondary

  CT/MRI (to look for adrenal tumour/hyperplasia)

  Possible renal artery imaging
• What is the management of hyperaldosteronism?

  Aldosterone antagonists (eplerenone, spironolactone)

  If driven by adenoma -> chop it out

  If driven by renal artery stenosis -> angio it
• Fill in the blanks

  A) hypothalamus

  B) anterior pituitary

  C) adrenal gland

  D) kidney

  E) CRH

  F) ACTH

  G) cortisol

  
• Fill in the blanks

  A) hypothalamus

  B) anterior pituitary

  C) larynx

  D) thyroid

  E) trachea

  F) TRH

  G) TSH

  H) T3

  I) T4

  
• What are the effects of T3 & T4?

  Increase metabolism

  Increase HR

  Needed for fertility

  Regulate skin growth

  Regulate hair/nail growth

  Increased excitability

  Increased internal temp

  Increased energy levels