PE4S154 - Disorders of the Adrenals 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2031 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PE4S154
Module Title: Disorders of the Adrenals
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Allied Health and Chiropractic
Faculty Sub Group: Clinical Services
Module Leader: Karl New
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2017 Final Year of Intake: 2030
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100260 - healthcare science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2031

Module Aims

Synthesise advanced knowledge of adrenal gland physiology and pathophysiology to critically analyse endocrine disorders affecting these glands, evaluating current diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities.

Content Summary

Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:

Topics may include:

Physiology and pathophysiology of the adrenal medulla and cortex

Hormonal secretion of the adrenal medulla and cortex

Synthesis of the adrenal cortical hormones

Investigation of the adrenals –short synacthen testing, dexamethasone suppression testing, urinary catecholamines, plasma renin activity and aldosterone testing.

Sensitivity/specificity of tests

Adrenal hypersecretion

Adrenal dependent Cushing’s disease – diagnosis and management including medical and surgical

Conn’s syndrome and primary hyperaldosteronism – diagnosis and management including medical and surgical. PRA – Aldosterone ratio

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess and Liddle’s syndrome

Phaeochromocytoma – diagnosis and management.

Adrenal and extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma.

Utility, sensitivity and specificity of urinary catecholamines and MIBG scintigraphy.

Genetic conditions associated with phaeochromocytoma – MEN Type 2, SDH B and D, Von Hippel Lindau and Neurofibromatosis

Hyposecretion

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia – classical, non-classical, investigation, diagnosis and management

Addison’s disease – presentation, diagnostic strategies, management including adequate replacement therapies

Acute hypoadrenalism – emergency treatment and appropriate advice to the patient.

Advising the patient relating to the titration of steroid therapy during illness

Glucorticoids, relative potency, mechanism of action.

Mineralocorticoids, mechanism of action and anatgonists.

Safe withdrawal of steroid therapy.

The adrenal nodule

Assessment of functionality

Monitoring and radiological investigation

Management including appropriate surgical referral

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 40
Seminars 40
Problem/Challenge-based Learning 40
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse and interpret the complex pathophysiology of various conditions affecting the adrenal glands, relating findings to clinical presentations.
LO2 Formulate and defend critical clinical decisions for the management of diverse adrenal gland conditions, considering potential complications and outcomes.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 Assessment to be completed in a specific timescale, which is neither an invigilated examination nor a piece of coursework. To be completed over an extended period (e.g. a 2-hour task to be completed within 48 hours, or a 24-hour assessment). Learna: End of module 1-hour Case-based Multiple-choice Examination related to Disorders of the Adrenals to be completed within a 10-day period. 60 N/A 30 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 A personal record of a student’s learning experiences. It requires students to record and reflect upon their observations and responses to situations, which can then be used later to explore and analyse ways of thinking and being in context. Generally involves critical diaries, learning logs and written / visual journals. Learna: Reflective journal 0 600 10 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 A detailed analysis of a topic, involving some original research undertaken by the candidate who makes use of data and/or primary sources. Learna: Completion of an individual/group task related to Disorders of the Adrenals. 0 1000 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 A concentrated inquiry into a single case or subject. Learna: Case-based scenarios and a discussion forum related to Disorders of the Adrenals. 0 2500 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1
Self Reflective Assessment 1
Project 1
Case study 1

Reading List

The module reading list is available to the students to access via electronic links on the learning platform (Moodle).

In addition to the list below, each list is supplemented with up-to-date peer-reviewed journal articles and studies that are continually refreshed as guidelines change and new treatments and technologies emerge.

Additional reading resources are also provided where relevant by the tutors during the running of the module in the discussion forum to keep the reading resources current and relevant.

Indicative Module 3 Reading:

Addison's Clinical Advisory Panel (2022) Surgical Guidelines for Addison's Disease and Other Forms of Adrenal Insufficiency. [Online]

Clinical Endocrinology. [Online]

Endocrine Reviews. [Online]

Endocrine Society (no date) Clinical Practice Guidelines. [Online]

Endocrine Society (no date) Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome Guideline Resources. [Online]

Endocrine Society (no date) Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome Guideline Resources. [Online]

Endocrine Society (no date) Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Guideline Resources. [Online]

Endocrine Society (no date) Primary Aldosteronism Guideline Resources. [Online]

Endocrine Society (no date) Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Guideline Resources. [Online]

European Society of Endocrinology (no date) Guidelines. [Online]

Fassnacht, M., Arlt, W., Bancos, I., Dralle, H., Newell-Price, J., Sahdev, A., Tabarin, A., Terzolo, M., Tsagarakis, S. and Dekkers, O.M. (2016) 'Management of adrenal incidentalomas: European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors', European Journal of Endocrinology, 175(2), pp. G1-G34.

Society for Endocrinology. [Online]

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. [Online]