🔬 Endocrine Cases That Frequently Appear in AMC

The endocrine system is a high-yield area in both the AMC MCQ and Clinical exams. Candidates are often tested on acute presentations, long-term management, and complications of common disorders. Below are the endocrine cases that most frequently appear in AMC exams with reasoning tips.

🔹 1. Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)

• Common stems:

  • Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss.

  • Complications: hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar state.

• Exam focus:

  • Acute management of DKA: fluids, insulin, electrolytes.

  • Safe prescribing of oral hypoglycaemics in T2DM.

  • Long-term complications: neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy.

• AMC tip: Always check for Australian guideline alignment (eTG, RACGP).

🔹 2. Thyroid Disorders

• Common stems:

  • Weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance → Hyperthyroidism.

  • Fatigue, weight gain, constipation → Hypothyroidism.

• Exam focus:

  • Graves’ disease vs toxic multinodular goitre.

  • Thyroid storm (emergency management).

  • Myxoedema coma (urgent IV thyroxine + supportive care).

• AMC tip: Differentiate thyroid causes with TSH + T4 results.

🔹 3. Adrenal Disorders

• Common stems:

  • Hyperpigmentation, postural hypotension → Addison’s disease.

  • Resistant hypertension, hypokalaemia → Conn’s syndrome.

  • Cushingoid appearance → Cushing’s syndrome.

• Exam focus:

  • Adrenal crisis → urgent IV hydrocortisone + fluids.

  • Diagnostic tests: dexamethasone suppression test, renin-aldosterone ratio.

• AMC tip: Recognise emergencies quickly—delayed steroid replacement can be fatal.

🔹 4. Pituitary Disorders

• Common stems:

  • Amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea → Prolactinoma.

  • Acromegaly features → excess GH.

  • Bitemporal hemianopia → pituitary macroadenoma.

• Exam focus:

  • Clinical features + appropriate investigations (MRI pituitary, hormone panels).

  • Immediate management if acute compression (neurosurgical referral).

• AMC tip: Think “mass effect + hormone effect” when interpreting pituitary cases.

🔹 5. Calcium & Parathyroid Disorders

• Common stems:

  • Kidney stones, abdominal pain, psychiatric symptoms → Hyperparathyroidism (“stones, bones, groans, psychiatric overtones”).

  • Perioral tingling, muscle cramps → Hypocalcaemia (often post-thyroid surgery).

• Exam focus:

  • Correct acute hypocalcaemia with IV calcium gluconate.

  • Surgical vs medical management of hyperparathyroidism.

• AMC tip: Always correct magnesium in refractory hypocalcaemia.

✅ Key Takeaway

In AMC exams, endocrine cases are pattern recognition plus safe management. Candidates should:

• Recognise red flags and emergencies (DKA, thyroid storm, adrenal crisis).

• Know first-line investigations and treatments.

• Align answers with Australian practice guidelines.

By mastering these common endocrine presentations, candidates will be well-prepared for both MCQ stems and Clinical stations.