Which tests were indicated to diagnose Addison's disease in Mila?

• A. Cortisol and ACTH stimulation test
• B. Only glucose and electrolytes
• C. Renin activity and aldosterone
• D. Thyroid testing

Answer: (A)

Addison's disease is suspected when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol, so the tests focus on cortisol production and how the adrenals respond to ACTH. A morning cortisol level is checked, and if there’s doubt, an ACTH stimulation test is performed. In this test, synthetic ACTH is given and cortisol is measured before and after. If cortisol does not rise appropriately, that confirms adrenal insufficiency. The ACTH level itself also helps distinguish primary adrenal disease (high ACTH) from secondary causes (low ACTH). Other tests like glucose and electrolytes can be affected by adrenal failure but don’t confirm the diagnosis by themselves; renin and aldosterone measurements can help assess mineralocorticoid deficiency but aren’t the primary diagnostic test, and thyroid testing is not used to diagnose Addison's. So, cortisol assessment with an ACTH stimulation test best diagnoses Addison's disease.