A 41-year-old man with recently diagnosed Cushing syndrome secondary to a pituitary corticotroph adenoma presents with hypertension (160/98 mmHg), tachycardia (102 bpm), and hypokalemia (K+ 2.9 mEq/L). Laboratory studies reveal hyperglycemia (285 mg/dL) and elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol (450 mcg/24h). MRI confirms a 1.2-cm sellar mass. He denies polyuria. Which pathophysiologic mechanism best explains these metabolic derangements?

  1. A)Excess cortisol causes hypokalemia via renal potassium wasting and hyperglycemia via increased hepatic gluconeogenesisGABARITO
  2. B)Aldosterone deficiency leads to sodium retention and potassium depletion
  3. C)Impaired potassium absorption in the GI tract is the primary mechanism of hypokalemia
  4. D)ACTH excess directly stimulates pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin-resistant diabetes
  5. E)Concurrent catecholamine excess from adrenal medulla causes hypokalemia and hyperglycemia

Explicação

Excess cortisol causes multiple metabolic derangements: (1) Hypokalemia via enhanced renal potassium excretion through mineralocorticoid activity at the collecting duct and urinary potassium wasting; (2) Hyperglycemia via stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis... Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →

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