Reference no: EM133200081
B Cell DevelopmentA 45 year old has been experiencing severe headaches, which get worse when they bend over, and in the morning when getting out of bed. They feel heart palpitations, and their heart rate and blood pressure are elevated. They feel extremely nervous, and sweat a great deal. Their blood pressure increases when lying down. Thyroid is normal, there is no obvious edema, and they are thin, with normal blood glucose levels. Laboratory shows normal thyroid, normal cortisol and ACTH, very high plasma epinephrine and high urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine.
What most likely accounts for the headache, high BP and nervousness?
high blood plasma thyroid hormones
high blood plasma aldosterone
high blood plasma catecholamines (epinephrine)
high blood plasma cortisol
What other test is most helpful in diagnosing this person?
MRI scan of the thyroid
MRI scan of the brain
MRI scan of the lung
MRI scan of the adrenal (abdomen)
What distinguishes this person's problems from a psychological issue, such as generalized anxiety disorder?
elevated thyroid hormones
elevated urinary catecholamines
elevated cortisol
elevated aldosterone
What condition does this person have?
Cushing's disease
Cushing's syndrome
pheochromocytoma
Addison's disease
Why does bending over increase the headache and blood pressure?
physically increases the release of epinephrine
increases pressure in the sinuses
it doesn't
it's psychological, fear of falling