Question

A person was detected to have a tumor in the adrenal cortex. He was found to have high blood glucose and also glucose was detected in his urine samples. In addition the doctor observed purple streaks on the abdominal wall. Which disease is he most likely suffering from?

• A. Cushing's syndrome
• B. Adrenal virilism
• C. Aldosteronism
• D. Cretinism

Answer 1

The correct option is A Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is due to excess of cortisol. Often tumours of the adrenal cortex result in overproduction of this hormone. Cortisol is the prinicipal glucocorticoid secreted from the adrenal cortex and functions in glucose metabolism. Due to excess cortisol, patients have elevated blood sugars, to the point where it spills over into urine. There is a resultant obesity, characteristically seen in the abdominal region, with very thin limbs often due to wasting of muscle known as the lemon on toothpick appearance. Fat also accumulates in the upper back, giving the sufferer a hunchback, known as the buffalo hump. Sodium levels in plasma rise and potassium levels fall. This is followed by massive water retention leading to puffiness in the face and an obvious concurrent increase in blood volume levels. Increase blood volume levels result in hypertension. In addition purple streaks are often seen on the abdominal wall.
Cretinism is due to hyposecretion of the thyroid hormone in infants and children. Adrenal virilism is due to excess of androgens in females and aldosteronism is a result of excessive aldosterone.