INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by hypocorticolism leading to pigmentation, hypotension, and hypoglycemia?

1. Cushing's syndrome

2. Graves disease

3. Pheochromocytoma

4. Addison's disease

The correct answer is: Addison's disease

Addison's disease is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by hypocortisolism, leading to pigmentation, hypotension, and hypoglycemia. In Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of adrenal cortex hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone, which can result in a range of symptoms including darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), low blood pressure (hypotension), and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). While Cushing's syndrome is characterized by hypercortisolism and can also affect the adrenal glands, it presents with different symptoms such as weight gain, rounding of the face (moon face), and thinning of the skin. Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms such as hyperthyroidism, weight loss, and protruding eyes (exophthalmos). Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause excess production of catecholamines such as adrenaline, resulting in symptoms like high blood pressure, headache, and sweating.