Question

A patient is suspected of having Addison's disease. Hifs symptoms are weakness, fatigue, loss of weight, and skin pigmentation. His laboratory tests shiow low serum sodium and chloride levels. The 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels are decreased. To make a definitive diagnosis, the physician orders an ACTH stimulation test and 17 . hydroxycorticosteroids are measured.

a. If the patient has primary hypoadrenocortical function (Addison's disease), explain the expected results of the ACTH stimulation test?

Answer 1

In a patient with Addison's disease, an ACTH stimulation test would show a lack of adequate cortisol production in response to ACTH, helping to confirm the diagnosis which can then be managed with cortisol replacement therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient has primary hypoadrenocortical function (Addison's disease), the expected results of an ACTH stimulation test would show an inadequate increase in cortisol production. This happens because in Addison's disease, the adrenal glands themselves are damaged and incapable of producing sufficient cortisol, even in the presence of increased levels of ACTH. While in a normal response, administration of ACTH would lead to an increase in cortisol production, in patients with Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not respond adequately, leading to little or no increase in cortisol levels. This lack of response helps to confirm a diagnosis of Addison's disease, which would then typically be managed through cortisol replacement therapy.