It has been a bit of a hiatus since the last posting...but we'll just continue on the path of learning
new and exciting material....in Endocrinology.
Q: What is SHEEHAN'S SYNDROME?
A: It affects affects only WOMEN in the immediate POST PARTUM time period.
Due to sudden hypovolemia or shock, therefore decreased blood flow to the
PITUITARY GLAND....causes silent infarction of the gland. Subsequently,
patients experience LACK of normal LACTATION, AMENORRHEA and FATIGUE.
Q: What is GALACTORRHEA?
A: It is an abnormal and inapproproate release of MILK (lactation) in both men and women.
The primary cause is usually due to a PROLACTIN releasing PITUITARY ADENOMA.
It can also be caused by various medications e.g. OPIOIDS, PHENOTHIAZINES, and
METHYLDOPA. Diagnosis is usually made by an elevated SERUM PROLACTIN levels.
An MRI of the Pituitary gland is the radiologic diagnosis of choice in identifying the
adenomas, being either a microadenoma (<10mm)>10mm) in size.
Q: What is DIABETES INSIPIDUS (DI)?
A: It is a either a DEFICIENCY of VASOPRESSIN (ADH) due to a hypopthalamic-pituitary
disorder....called CENTRAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS (CDI)...Hint: CNS!!!
....or from RESISTANCE of the KIDNEYS to VASOPRESSION (ADH)....this is called.
NEPHROGENIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS (NDI).
The main symptoms are due to enormous amount of fluids being consumed by the
patient...thus, THIRST, POLYDIPSIA, POLYURIA ...and very commonly, NOCTURIA.
Q: Which THYROID CANCER type is MOST COMMON?
A: PAPILLARY CARCINOMA....tumor usually occurs on patients ages 30-60.
Female to male ratio, usually 3:1.
Q: Which Thyroid Cancer is MOST COMMON among the ELDERLY?
A: FOLLICULAR CARCINOMA
Q: Which Thyroid Cancer produces CALCITONIN?
A: MEDULLARY CARCINOMA...the hormone is produced by the parafollicular cells,
called, C-CELLS. Thus, the best test is a SERUM CALCITONIN level, which is
significanlty elevated.
Thanks for your time, we'll return shortly.
Monday, March 7, 2011
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