Adrenal Cortex: Primary Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)

This topic examines primary chronic adrenocortical insufficiency, known as Addison's disease, resulting from progressive destruction of the adrenal cortex. Zambian university students will learn that over 90% of the cortex must be compromised before symptoms appear. The major causes are autoimmune adrenalitis, tuberculosis, and metastatic cancers. The clinical manifestations include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, hyperpigmentation (due to high ACTH), hypotension, and electrolyte disturbances (hyponatremia, hyperkalemia). Understanding Addison's disease is critical for diagnosing adrenal crisis, a life-threatening emergency. This knowledge is vital for examinations in pathology and internal medicine and for managing patients with unexplained hypotension, pigmentation changes, or electrolyte imbalances in healthcare facilities across Zambia.