Which of the following would not be a cause for Addison’s Disease?

• A. Autoimmune disease that attacks the adrenal cortex.
• B. Unexpected stoppage of long-term corticosteroid therapy.
• C. A respiratory infection that degrades the adrenal glands.
• D. A tumor that produces excess adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand Addison's Disease as a condition caused by insufficient production of adrenal cortex hormones, primarily cortisol and aldosterone.
2. Step 2: Recognize that common causes include autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex, infections damaging the adrenal glands, and sudden withdrawal from long-term corticosteroid therapy, all leading to decreased hormone levels.
3. Step 3: Identify that a tumor producing excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) would actually stimulate the adrenal glands to produce more hormones, which is opposite to the hormone deficiency seen in Addison's Disease.
4. Step 4: Compare each option to the pathophysiology of Addison's Disease to determine which does not fit the pattern of adrenal insufficiency.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the tumor causing excess ACTH is not a cause of Addison's Disease because it leads to hormone excess rather than deficiency.