ABSTRACT
Hypersecretion from the adrenal glands is associated with hypertension. Causes include Conn syndrome, Cushing syndrome and phaechromocytoma. This article discusses their clinical features, diagnosis and treatment as well as the management of incidentally identified adrenal tumours (incidentaloma).
Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Diseases/physiopathology , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/physiopathology , Adrenal Glands/physiology , Cushing Syndrome/diagnosis , Humans , Hyperaldosteronism/drug therapy , Neoplasms, Second Primary/physiopathology , Pheochromocytoma/physiopathologyABSTRACT
The adrenal glands secrete hormones essential for metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, and sodium and glucose homeostasis. Hypo- or hypersecretion of these hormones is life threatening. Understanding the physiological functions of adrenal hormones is a prerequisite to the management of adrenal gland disease.
Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/biosynthesis , Adrenal Gland Diseases/physiopathology , Adrenal Glands/physiology , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone , Aldosterone/biosynthesis , Glucocorticoids/biosynthesis , HumansABSTRACT
Adrenal insufficiency can be due to disease of the adrenal gland itself (primary adrenal deficiency) or of the hypothalamic or pituitary regulation of the adrenal gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency). This article discusses its causes, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.