Which of the following is a changeable risk factor for nephrolithiasis?

Choice A rationale

Cushing syndrome is caused by chronic high blood levels of cortisol or related corticosteroids.

Choice B rationale

Addison disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones.

Choice C rationale

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, not a benign tumor of the adrenal medulla.

Choice D rationale

Pheochromocytoma is a rare, usually noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops in cells in the center of an adrenal gland. This tumor can release hormones that can cause a persistent or episodic increase in blood pressure.

Choice A rationale

An insufficient amount of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) leads to hypothyroidism, not severe manifestations in adrenocortical insufficiencies.

Choice B rationale

Decreased levels of all the adrenocortical hormones can lead to Addison’s disease, not the most severe manifestations in adrenocortical insufficiencies.

Choice C rationale

Deficiencies in the renin-angiotensin system can lead to problems with blood pressure regulation, not the most severe manifestations in adrenocortical insufficiencies.

Choice D rationale

An insufficient amount of circulating cortisol is a key feature of Addison’s disease, which is an adrenocortical insufficiency. This can lead to severe manifestations such as fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.