Medical Emergencies · single question
A 25-year-old female is lethargic, BP 80/60, and has bronze skin pigmentation. What is the diagnosis?
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Correct answer: C. Addison's disease
- A. ❌ Hypothyroidism presents with cold intolerance, weight gain, bradycardia — not hypotension with bronze skin.
- B. ❌ Cushing's syndrome presents with hypertension, moon face, buffalo hump, and purple striae — opposite of hypotension.
- C. ✅ Correct. Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) presents with lethargy, hypotension, and bronze/hyperpigmentation from elevated ACTH stimulating melanocytes.
- D. ❌ Pheochromocytoma causes episodic hypertension, headache, sweating, and palpitations — not hypotension.
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