A woman suffers from hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, and skeletal muscle wasti

Question

A woman suffers from hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, and skeletal muscle wasting. Lab tests reveal low circulating levels of ACTH. Which one of the following is the most likely cause of her symptoms?

a hormone-secreting tumor of the renal cortex

long-term treatment with endogenous glucocorticoids

hypocortisolism due to an adrenal tumor that oversecretes cortisol

hypercortisolism due to autoimmune activation of cells in the adrenal cortex

hypercortisolism due to an ACTH-secreting tumor of the posterior pituitary

a hormone-secreting tumor of the renal cortex

long-term treatment with endogenous glucocorticoids

hypocortisolism due to an adrenal tumor that oversecretes cortisol

hypercortisolism due to autoimmune activation of cells in the adrenal cortex

hypercortisolism due to an ACTH-secreting tumor of the posterior pituitary

Explanation / Answer

In secondry adrenal insufficiency the B-cells are activated and destroys the adrenal cortex which causes lower production of ACTH and causes lower plasma ACTH levels. OptionD is correct.

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