Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tremor (A): Tremors or shaky hands are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by excess thyroid hormone in the body.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is mainly caused by the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. This results in the inadequate production of hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. While other conditions such as Adrenoleukodystrophy, Pyelonephritis, and Tuberculosis can also affect the adrenal glands, they are not known to be direct causes of Addison's disease.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In dwarfism conditions, the upper body segment being greater than the lower body segment is a characteristic feature seen in Achondroplasia. This condition results in a disproportionately short stature with short limbs but a trunk of normal length.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is a pituitary adenoma, specifically a corticotroph adenoma. This adenoma leads to excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce high levels of cortisol. This results in the symptoms and signs characteristic of Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary adenomas are responsible for around 70-80% of cases of Cushing's syndrome, making it the most common cause.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome is a condition that mimics the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome but is not actually caused by excess cortisol production by the adrenal glands. It can be caused by various conditions such as chronic alcoholism, obesity, depression, and certain medications. However, myxoedema (also known as severe hypothyroidism) is not typically associated with pseudo-Cushing's syndrome. Myxoedema is characterized by low thyroid hormone levels, which would not lead to the symptoms of pseudo-Cushing's syndrome.