Endocrine Problems in Otolaryngology

Endocrine disorders may complicate, cause or mimic otolaryngologic diseases or interfere with the therapy of these diseases. Although essentially an integrated regulatory system, the endocrine system and its diseases are most readily discussed by considering individual glands. Diabetes is particularly important since the neuropathies, vasculopathies and altered response to infection and to trauma may attend many otolaryngologic problems. Numerous manifestations of thyroid dysfunction are also present, some being primarily anatomical in that they result from enlargement of the gland while others are physiological in that they result from increased or decreased glandular activity. Among the pituitary disorders acromegaly has the greatest otolaryngologic significance, with the altered growth patterns producing numerous symptoms. Adrenal gland syndromes vary widely in their otolaryngologic presentations, and include hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. The hypocalcemia of hypoparathyroidism may produce serious neuromuscular abnormalities. An area for future exploration concerns the production of endocrine disorders by nonendocrine tumors.