Question

The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency is

a) Autoimmune destruction of the cells producing the hormone
b) Metastasis of malignant tumors
c) Infections such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and meningococcemia
d) Hemorrhage into the adrenal glands

Answer 1

The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency is autoimmune destruction of the cells producing the hormone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency is autoimmune destruction of the cells producing the hormone. In autoimmune Addison disease (AAD), the immune system produces antibodies that attack the adrenal cortex, leading to impaired metabolic processes. This autoimmune response can also target other endocrine glands, resulting in conditions known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APS). Antibodies produced to key enzymes involved in steroid synthesis, such as 21-hydroxylase, are diagnostic for AAD.