Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly is the condition characterized by the enlargement of the bones of the hands, feet, and face due to the overproduction of growth hormone in adults. This excess growth hormone typically comes from a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, leading to the gradual enlargement of these body parts. Cushing syndrome, on the other hand, is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol and is not directly related to bone enlargement. Gigantism is the condition of excessive growth in height due to overproduction of growth hormone occurring in children before the closure of growth plates. Myxedema is a term used to describe severe hypothyroidism and is not directly associated with bone enlargement.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is a metabolite of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Phaeochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor that arises from the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla or sympathetic ganglia. As a result of the increased production of catecholamines in patients with phaeochromocytoma, there is an increase in VMA excretion in the urine. This increase in VMA excretion is a significant diagnostic feature of phaeochromocytoma and helps in its detection through urine testing. Therefore, the correct choice is D. Phaeochromocytoma.

Correct Answer:

Rationale: Oxytocin and Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), are the hormones stored in the posterior pituitary gland. These hormones are produced by the hypothalamus and then transported and stored in the posterior pituitary gland until they are released into the bloodstream when needed. Oxytocin plays a role in uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during lactation, while Vasopressin regulates water balance in the body by acting on the kidneys to reduce urine production and conserve water. The other hormones listed, such as Prolactin, TSH, GH, ACTH, FSH, and LH, are produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Increased serum aldosterone level is typically associated with conditions such as Conn's syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism. These conditions lead to an excess of aldosterone, which results in increased sodium resorption and potassium excretion by the kidneys. This imbalance can lead to hypertension (Choice A), hypernatraernia (elevated sodium level) (Choice B), and hypokalaemia (low potassium level) (Choice C). However, metabolic acidosis (Choice D) is not directly associated with increased aldosterone levels. Instead, metabolic acidosis may be seen in conditions like renal tubular acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Myxoedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to the slowing down of various body functions, including reduced heart rate (bradycardia). As the condition progresses and the body's metabolism becomes more depressed, one of the compensatory mechanisms is an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) to try to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Therefore, tachycardia is a characteristic feature of myxoedema coma, rather than hypertension or euthermia which are not typically associated with this condition. Hypoventilation is also a common feature of myxoedema coma due to the decreased metabolic rate and respiratory drive.