Kim, Frances
Period 1

Bertha Wise, age 40, comes to the
clinic, troubled by swelling in her face
and unusual fat deposition on her back
and abdomen. She reports that she
bruises easily. Blood tests show
elevated glucose levels. What is your
diagnosis and what glands might be
causing the problem?
In addition to the adrenal glands in
cushings, the pituitary often plays a part.
 Pituitary Tumor
 ACTH Test
 Corticosteroids
 Cushing Syndrome
 Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis


LEVEL B ACTH
Adrenal Gland
Tiny organs that rest on top of each
kidney.
 Plays an important role in the body, it
produces numerous hormones that
impact our development and growth.
 Affects our ability to deal with stress and
helps regulate kidney function.

Two Parts of Adrenal Gland
Adrenal Cortex: Produces cortisol, a
hormone that regulates nearly every
type of organ and tissue within the body.
 Also produces aldosterone. It helps to
maintain appropriate proportions of
water and salts within the body.
 Results in low blood pressure.

Cushing Syndrome
Results of the excessive production of
corticosteroids by the adrenal glands.
 SYMPTOMS: change in body habitus,
weight gain in the face, above the collar
bone and on the back of the neck, skin
changes with easy bruising, excess hair
growth on the face, etc.
 CAUSES: can develop by taking
glucocorticoids or their body is exposed
to high levels of cortisol.

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones
that are chemically similar to the cortisol
produced by our bodies.
 TREATMENTS

 Varies and depends on the cause of cortisol
excess.

Adrenal Gland Scars
 CT is the primary imaging method.
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
 A.K.A. : corticotropin
 Polypeptide tropic hormone

Pituitary Gland
Pea sized gland located at the base of
the skull between the optic nerves.
 Controls temperature, growth during
childhood, urine production,
testosterone production (in males) &
ovulation & estrogen production in
females.

Pituitary Tumor

Abnormal growths that develop in your
pituitary glands.
• SYMPTOMS: Headache, vision loss, nausea
and vomiting, fatigue, weakness, constipation,
and etc.

TREATMENTS: Depends on its size and
how far it has grown into your brain.
 Age and overall health are factors.
 Involves a brain surgeon, endocrine system
specialist and a nervous system specialist.