HI experts can you help me with my Endocrinology physiology case study? A 28-yea

Question

HI experts can you help me with my Endocrinology physiology case study?

A 28-year-old female was seen in the emergency room complaining of a severe headache. She is severely hypertensive and has experienced periods of panic attacks and profuse sweating. The routine lab tests were normal except for glucose which was 140 mg/dL. A elevation in what group of compounds would explain the patient's symptoms? What is the name of the associated tumor? What lab test(s) should be performed to confirm the diagnosis?

Explanation / Answer

1). The symptoms are indicating the tumors of the adrenal glands.

Pheochromocytoma is a condition of tumors of adrenal glands, in which patients suffer from excessive release of adrenal gland hormones including the flush of adrenaline and noradrenaline. The adrenaline and noradrenaline are the neurotransmitters of sympathetic nervous system, activated nervous system causes positive inotropic (increased force of contraction) and positive chronographic effect (increased rate of contraction) on the heart. High blood pressure, palpitations (increased heart rate) and flushing of skin are the consequences of excessive sympathetic stimulation. High blood glucose is also observed due to the excessive lipolysis caused by sympathetic stimulation.

2). The name of the associated tumor is, "pheochromocytoma."

3). Diagnosis is done by

Plasma metanephrine testing, and 24-hour urinary collection for catecholamines and metanephrines.

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