What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet
What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease when it’s primary, is a condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of essential hormones such as cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. Understanding the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Several key factors contribute to this condition, each affecting the adrenal glands in distinct ways.
One of the most common causes of primary adrenal insufficiency is autoimmune destruction. In autoimmune adrenalitis, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and damages the adrenal cortex, leading to decreased hormone production. This form of autoimmune response is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes, reflecting a broader dysregulation of immune function. Autoimmune adrenalitis accounts for the majority of cases in developed countries, making it a significant cause to recognize.
Infections are another major cause, especially in regions where infectious diseases are prevalent. Tuberculosis, for instance, historically was a leading cause of adrenal destruction. The bacteria can invade the adrenal glands, causing granulomatous inflammation that destroys the tissue over time. Fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus, can also compromise adrenal function, especially in immunocompromised individuals. These infectious causes tend to be more common in developing countries and highlight the importance of infection control and early diagnosis. What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet
Adrenal hemorrhage, or bleeding into the adrenal glands, can cause an acute form of adrenal insufficiency. This can occur due to severe trauma, anticoagulant therapy, or conditions like Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, which involves hemorrhagic necrosis often linked to severe bacterial infections such as meningococcemia. The rapid destruction of adrenal tissue in hemorrhage can lead to a sudden and life-threatening deficiency of adrenal hormones, requiring immediate medical intervention. What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet
Other causes include infiltration of the adrenal glands by malignant tumors or metastases, which replace normal adrenal tissue and impair hormone production. Conditions like metastasis from lung or breast cancer can spread to the adrenal glands, leading to secondary adrenal failure. Additionally, genetic or congenital disorders may result in adrenal hypoplasia or dysgenesis, where the glands are underdeveloped from birth.
Certain medical interventions, such as bilateral adrenalectomy—the surgical removal of both adrenal glands—are also direct causes. Though rare, such procedures eliminate the source of hormone production, leading to adrenal insufficiency that necessitates lifelong hormone replacement therapy. What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet
What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet Finally, secondary adrenal insufficiency stems from issues outside the adrenal glands, primarily involving the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Conditions like hypopituitarism or chronic use of corticosteroids can suppress the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands. While technically not a primary cause, these situations can mimic adrenal insufficiency symptoms and require different diagnostic and treatment approaches.
In summary, the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency are diverse, ranging from autoimmune destruction and infections to hemorrhage, tumors, congenital anomalies, and iatrogenic factors. Recognizing these causes is vital for clinicians to initiate appropriate diagnostic tests, such as hormone levels, imaging studies, and autoimmune panels, to confirm the diagnosis and tailor treatment strategies effectively. What are the primary causes of adrenal insufficiency quizlet
