Endocrinology Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Thyroid acropathy, also known as thyroid dermopathy, is a skin condition commonly associated with Graves' disease. This autoimmune disorder causes an overactive thyroid gland, leading to high levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. The excess thyroid hormones can trigger changes in the skin, resulting in thyroid acropathy. Subclinical hypothyroidism (choice A) is characterized by slightly elevated TSH levels with normal thyroid hormone levels, not typically associated with thyroid acropathy. Myxoedema (choice C) refers to severe hypothyroidism and is not linked to thyroid acropathy. Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (choice D) is a type of thyroid cancer and is not known to cause thyroid acropathy. Therefore, the correct answer is B, Graves' disease, as it is the most common condition associated with thyroid acropathy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland before being released into the bloodstream. This process is essential for regulating various physiological functions. Choices A and C are incorrect as oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone are not complex steroids and are not released from the anterior pituitary. Choice B is also incorrect because while these hormones are indeed synthesized in the posterior pituitary, they are stored in the posterior pituitary before their release.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Addison's disease is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of Addison's disease. The characteristic features include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, dizziness (B), hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, dehydration (D), and skin changes like dermatitis is common (C). Therefore, diarrhea does not align with the typical symptoms of Addison's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Purple skin striae. This is the most common sign of Cushing's syndrome due to the excessive production of cortisol leading to thinning of the skin and formation of purple stretch marks. Hirsutism (A) is excessive hair growth, not specific to Cushing's. Obesity (B) can be a symptom, but it is not the most common. Skin hyperpigmentation (D) is seen in Addison's disease, not Cushing's.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Excess prolactin causes gynaecomastia due to its stimulatory effect on breast tissue growth in males. Prolactin inhibits the release of testosterone, leading to an imbalance in sex hormones and breast tissue development. Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone, not prolactin. Early menopause is unrelated to prolactin levels. Anaemia is typically not associated with prolactin excess. Thus, gynaecomastia is the most appropriate outcome of excess prolactin.