Increased muscle mass with slowness of activity (Hoffman syndrome) is seen in:
- A. Acromegaly
- B. Myxoedema
- C. Pseudohypoparathyroidism
- D. Myotonia dystrophica
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acromegaly is a disorder caused by excessive growth hormone production by the pituitary gland in adults, leading to an increase in muscle mass (hypertrophy). Hoffman syndrome, characterized by increased muscle mass with slowness of activity, is a clinical feature often seen in individuals with acromegaly. The excessive growth hormone levels in acromegaly can cause acral growth, soft tissue swelling, and muscle hypertrophy, contributing to the characteristic features of the condition, including Hoffman syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is Acromegaly.
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Phaeochromocytoma is not associated with:
- A. Weight gain
- B. Fear of death (angor animi)
- C. Paroxysmal hypertension
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phaeochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that usually originates from the adrenal glands and produces excess catecholamines. The characteristic symptoms of phaeochromocytoma include paroxysmal (sudden and severe) hypertension, fear of impending death (angor animi), and episodic symptoms like palpitations, headache, and diaphoresis. However, weight gain is not a typical manifestation associated with phaeochromocytoma. In fact, patients with this condition may experience unintentional weight loss due to the effects of excess catecholamines on metabolism and appetite suppression. Therefore, weight gain is not a significant feature observed in individuals with phaeochromocytoma.
Diabetes Insipidus is a deficiency of what hormone?
- A. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
- B. Vasopressin
- C. Aldosterone
- D. Insulin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is a condition characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate water balance, leading to excessive urination and extreme thirst. This disorder is caused by a deficiency of vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Vasopressin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland to help regulate water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. The lack of vasopressin in Diabetes Insipidus results in the kidneys producing a large volume of dilute urine, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Which of the following investigations is the gold standard for diagnosing acromegaly?
- A. Serum IGF1 measurement
- B. Growth hormone releasing hormone measurement
- C. Oral glucose tolerance test + Growth hormone measurement
- D. Growth hormone measurement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The gold standard for diagnosing acromegaly is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) along with growth hormone (GH) measurement. During this test, the patient is given a glucose solution to drink, and then blood samples are taken to measure GH levels at specific time intervals. In a person without acromegaly, glucose ingestion would typically suppress GH levels. However, in individuals with acromegaly, GH levels remain elevated even after glucose administration due to the inability of glucose to inhibit GH release from the tumor.
Oxytocin:
- A. is bound to neurophysin in plasma.
- B. inhibits production of milk.
- C. inhibits myometrial contraction.
- D. inhibits sperm swimming on the gonad.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In the bloodstream, oxytocin is mostly bound to a carrier protein called neurophysin. This binding helps to protect oxytocin from being degraded too quickly in the bloodstream, thus allowing it to exert its effects on target tissues such as the uterus and mammary glands. Oxytocin plays important roles in stimulating uterine contractions during labor, facilitating milk letdown during breastfeeding, and promoting social bonding and emotional connections.
Which of the following are signs of acromegaly?
- A. Increased jaw prominence
- B. Enlargement of feet
- C. Enlargement of the hands and fingers
- D. Decrease in tongue size (microglossia)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acromegaly is a disorder characterized by excess growth hormone production, usually due to a pituitary adenoma. Signs and symptoms of acromegaly arise gradually over time due to excess growth hormone leading to tissue overgrowth.