A 39-year old woman comes to the physician because of weight gain and abnormal menstrual cycles. She feels depressed and weak. Physical examination shows multiple purplish striae on the abdomen and bruises over the lower extremities. Laboratory studies show normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels, and elevated cortisol secretion.
If the patient has adrenal hyperfunction, which of the following may also be present?
A 39-year old woman comes to the physician because of weight gain and abnormal menstrual cycles. She feels depressed and weak. Physical examination shows multiple purplish striae on the abdomen and bruises over the lower extremities. Laboratory studies show normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels, and elevated cortisol secretion.
If the patient has adrenal hyperfunction, which of the following may also be present?
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
Adrenal hyperfunction, particularly Cushing's syndrome, is characterized by excessive production of cortisol from the adrenal glands. This leads to a range of systemic effects, including weight gain, abnormal menstrual cycles, and skin changes such as purplish striae.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The elevated cortisol secretion in this patient is likely due to an adrenal tumor or hyperplasia, leading to autonomous cortisol production. This can result in a variety of clinical manifestations, including **hypokalemia**. Cortisol promotes the excretion of potassium in the urine, leading to decreased serum potassium levels. Additionally, cortisol can cause sodium retention, further contributing to hypokalemia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Osteoporosis - While Cushing's syndrome can lead to bone loss, it is not a direct consequence of adrenal hyperfunction.
**Option B:** Hypokalemia - This is the correct answer, as explained above.
**Option C:** Hypothyroidism - There is no evidence to suggest thyroid dysfunction in this patient, as TSH and thyroid hormone levels are normal.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Cushing's syndrome can be remembered as "moon face, buffalo hump, and purple striae" - a classic clinical triad of weight gain, skin changes, and purplish striae.
**Correct Answer:** B. Hypokalemia.
β Correct Answer: B. Hirsutism
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