Which feature indicates hypersecretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone?

Which feature indicates hypersecretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone?

• A. Moon face
• B. Lower jaw protrusion
• C. Heat intolerance
• D. Barrel-shaped chest

Answer: (A)

Excess ACTH drives the adrenal cortex to overproduce cortisol, leading to Cushingoid features. Moon face arises from fat redistribution and fluid retention characteristic of this cortisol excess, making it the most indicative sign of ACTH-driven hypersecretion. Heat intolerance points to hyperthyroidism, not to ACTH/ cortisol excess. Lower jaw protrusion happens with excessive growth hormone (acromegaly), not with ACTH. A barrel-shaped chest isn’t a typical hallmark of hypersecretion of ACTH.

Excess ACTH drives the adrenal cortex to overproduce cortisol, leading to Cushingoid features. Moon face arises from fat redistribution and fluid retention characteristic of this cortisol excess, making it the most indicative sign of ACTH-driven hypersecretion.

Heat intolerance points to hyperthyroidism, not to ACTH/ cortisol excess. Lower jaw protrusion happens with excessive growth hormone (acromegaly), not with ACTH. A barrel-shaped chest isn’t a typical hallmark of hypersecretion of ACTH.