Calcification of basal ganglia is seen in:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by the overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the blood. This excessive calcium can cause calcification in various tissues, including the basal ganglia of the brain. The calcification of the basal ganglia in primary hyperparathyroidism is a well-known radiological finding and can be visualized on imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI. Hypoparathyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by low levels of PTH and results in decreased serum calcium levels, making it an unlikely cause of basal ganglia calcification. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is associated with chronic kidney disease and is also characterized by high PTH levels, but basal ganglia calcification is not a typical manifestation of this condition. Milk-alkali syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive intake of

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol hormone. While Cushing's syndrome can manifest with a variety of symptoms, peripheral neuropathy is not a typical feature of this condition. Cushing's syndrome is commonly associated with symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), purple striae (skin stretch marks that are purple in color), and acne due to the hormonal imbalances it creates. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nerves leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities, is not a characteristic symptom of Cushing's syndrome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hyperthermia is not a typical feature of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is typically characterized by high blood sugar levels, ketone accumulation, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness. Common symptoms include drowsiness, dehydration, and air hunger (deep and rapid breathing). However, hyperthermia, which refers to an elevated body temperature, is not a characteristic typically associated with DKA. It is important to monitor and manage DKA promptly as it is a serious complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Osteomalacia is a condition in which there is a softening of the bones due to a deficiency in vitamin D or calcium. It is not a cause of hypocalcemia, as it is a result of low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. The other options listed are potential causes of hypocalcemia:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An Addisonian crisis, also known as an acute adrenal crisis, is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs due to severe adrenal insufficiency, leading to a sudden drop in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its deficiency can result in serious symptoms such as hypotension, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. If left untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. Therefore, the correct description of an Addisonian crisis is severe adrenal insufficiency resulting in dangerously low serum cortisol levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Polycystic ovarian disease, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine disorder characterized by increased levels of androgens (male hormones) and disrupted estrogen production in the ovaries. The hormonal imbalance seen in PCOS leads to increased gonadal production of estrogen. This condition is often associated with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, acne, and excess facial or body hair growth. In contrast, the other options do not typically involve increased gonadal production of estrogen as seen in PCOS.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of ambiguous genitalia in newborns. This condition is due to a deficiency of enzymes in the adrenal gland that are necessary for the production of cortisol. As a result, the body produces excess androgens (masculinizing hormones), leading to abnormal genital development in females. The external genitalia may appear ambiguous, with features of both male and female genitalia. This condition can be detected through newborn screening and confirmed through further hormonal and genetic testing. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy to normalize hormone levels and surgery may be required to reconstruct the genitalia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Blood calcium levels are primarily regulated by the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium balance in the body by promoting the absorption of calcium from the intestines. When blood calcium levels are low, Vitamin D works to increase absorption of calcium to raise the levels back to normal. Therefore, elevated blood calcium levels are commonly associated with excess Vitamin D intake or conditions that increase Vitamin D levels, such as hypervitaminosis D.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cortisol secretion is directly stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus. ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate the production and release of cortisol. Aldosterone is another hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, but it is not directly involved in the stimulation of cortisol secretion. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a role in lactation, not cortisol secretion. High blood potassium levels can stimulate aldosterone secretion but do not directly stimulate cortisol secretion.