American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What condition is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol or aldosterone by the adrenal glands?

1. Addison's disease

2. Cushing's syndrome

3. Hyperaldosteronism

4. Adrenal insufficiency

The correct answer is: Addison's disease

Addison's disease is the condition characterized by insufficient production of cortisol or aldosterone by the adrenal glands. This is an autoimmune disorder where the adrenal cortex is damaged, leading to a deficiency in these crucial hormones. Cortisol is essential for numerous bodily functions including the stress response, metabolism, and immune response, while aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate levels of these hormones, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. The chronic nature of this insufficiency can lead to more severe complications, particularly during times of stress or illness, necessitating prompt medical attention and often lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Other conditions mentioned, such as Cushing's syndrome, involve excess production of cortisol rather than a deficiency, while hyperaldosteronism is characterized by excessive aldosterone production. Adrenal insufficiency is a broad term that can refer to both primary and secondary adrenal diseases, but in the context of the question, Addison's disease specifically highlights the primary adrenal insufficiency where both cortisol and aldosterone are deficient.