Presentación de un caso de síndrome de Cooke-Apert-Gallais / Presentation of a case of Cooke-Apert-Gallais syndrome

Se estudió una paciente de 47 años de edad con antecedentes de buena salud, sin antecedentes atópicos personales ni familiares, que acude a la consulta de endocrinología por presentar aumento del vello corporal con dos años de evolución. Al examen físico se le constató rubicundez facial, escudo pubiano masculino, predominio de la cintura escapular sobre la cintura abdominal e hipertrofia de 3,5 cm del clítoris. Referente a los exámenes complementarios presentó un marcado aumento de la testosterona en sangre así que se le practicó una histerectomía con doble anisectomía y los resultados de la biopsia fueron: un tumor benigno de células de Leydig. Se concluyó que se trataba de un Síndrome de Cooke-Apert-Gallais por un tumor productor de testosterona en el ovario(AU)

A study was conducted of a female 47-year-old patient with a history of good health and no personal or family atopic antecedents, who attends endocrinology consultation due to increased growth of body hair of two years' evolution. Physical examination revealed facial reddishness, a male pubic shield, predominance of the scapular waist over the abdominal waist, and 3.5 cm hypertrophy of the clitoris. Complementary tests found a marked increase in blood testosterone, which led to the performance of hysterectomy with double adnexectomy. The result of the biopsy was benign Leydig cell tumor. The final diagnosis was Cooke-Apert-Gallais syndrome due to a testosterone-producing tumor in the ovary(AU)

Dosages of androgenic hormones in adolescent patients with severe acne

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Acne vulgaris in female adolescents, when severe or accompanied by other signs of androgenization, may represent a sign of hyperandrogenemia often underdiagnosed, which will have harmful consequences for adult life. The objective of this cross-sectional and retrospective study was to demonstrate the incidence of hormonal changes in the cases of female adolescents with severe or extensive acne, with or without other signs of hyperandrogenism, and propose a hormonal research pattern which should be indicated in order to detect early hyperandrogenemia. METHODS The medical records of 38 female patients aged between 9 and 15 years old with grade II and/or III acne were analyzed. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrostenedione, and androstenedione, total testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone sulfate hormones were required prior to initiation of treatment. The hormonal dosages were performed in the serum after at least 3 hours of fasting by means of radioimmunoassay tests. RESULTS Of the 38 patients included, 44.7% presented changes in androgen levels (hyperandrogenemia), and the two most frequently altered hormones were DHEA and androstenedione, with the same incidence (23.6%). CONCLUSIONS The correct and early diagnosis provides an effective and agile approach, including antiandrogen therapy, with the purpose of avoiding the reproductive and metabolic repercussions, besides controlling the inflammatory picture and avoid aesthetic complications.

RESUMO OBJETIVO A acne vulgar em adolescentes do sexo feminino, quando grave ou acompanhada de outros sinais de androgenização, pode representar um sinal de hiperandrogenemia muitas vezes subdiagnosticado, que acarretará consequências danosas para a vida adulta. O objetivo deste estudo transversal e retrospectivo foi demonstrar a incidência das alterações hormonais nos casos de adolescentes do sexo feminino com acne grave ou extensa, acompanhada ou não de outros sinais de hiperandrogenismo e propor um padrão de pesquisa hormonal que deve ser indicado com o intuito de detectar precocemente o quadro de hiperandrogenemia. MÉTODOS Foram analisados os prontuários de 38 pacientes do sexo feminino com idades entre 9 e 15 anos, portadoras de quadro de acne grau II e/ou III. Os hormônios sulfato de dehidroepiandrostenediona, dehidroepiandrostenediona, androstenediona, testosterona total e dehidrotestosterona foram solicitados antes do início do tratamento. As dosagens hormonais foram realizadas no soro após pelo menos 3 horas de jejum por meio de exames de radioimunoensaio. RESULTADOS Das 38 pacientes incluídas, 44,7% apresentaram alterações dos níveis de andrógenos (hiperandrogenemia), sendo que os dois hormônios mais frequentemente alterados foram o DHEA e androstenediona, com a mesma incidência (23,6%). CONCLUSÕES O diagnóstico correto e precoce propicia uma abordagem efetiva e ágil, incluindo a terapia antiandrogênica, com a finalidade de evitar as repercussões reprodutivas e metabólicas, além de controlar o quadro inflamatório e evitar complicações estéticas.

Síndrome dos ovários policísticos: tratamento das manifestações androgênicas / Polycystic ovary syndrome: treatment of androgenic manifestations

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é um distúrbio endócrino-metabólico muito frequente no período reprodutivo. Quando associado ao distúrbio metabólico, as mulheres com SOP podem ter ainda risco acrescido para doença cardiovascular. O objetivo deste manuscrito é descrever as repercussões metabólicas, incluindo quais as principais, como investigar e as consequências desse distúrbio sobre a saúde da mulher. É uma revisão narrativa mostrando a implicação da resistência insulínica, das dislipidemias e da síndrome metabólica sobre o sistema reprodutor e sobre o risco cardiovascular da mulher com SOP, bem como do uso de sensibilizadores de insulina no seu tratamento. Conclui-se que a correção dos distúrbios metabólicos na SOP é benéfica tanto para o sistema reprodutor quanto para o cardiovascular. A primeira linha de tratamento é a mudança de estilo de vida e a perda de peso. Na resposta inadequada, o tratamento medicamentoso está recomendado. Nas mulheres com obesidade mórbida que não tiveram bons resultados com o tratamento clínico, a cirurgia bariátrica é uma opção.(AU)

Reconhecimento e diagnóstico dos sintomas cutâneos do hiperandrogenismo em mulheres: proposta do Grupo Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excess (AWARE)) / Recognition and diagnosis of hyperandrogenic skin symptoms in women: proposal of the Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excess group (AWARE))

O hiperandrogenismo representa um problema de saúde pública complexo. Essa condição pode acome- ter 1/5 das mulheres na idade reprodutiva e apresenta um impacto negativo importante na qualidade de vida. As mulheres com hiperandrogenismo podem apresentar uma combinação de diferentes sintomas e repercussões clínicas. Os sintomas cutüneos incluem a seborreia, acne, hirsutismo e aIopecia. Trata-se de uma condição desafiadora tanto para as mulheres afetadas quanto para os profissionais de saúde. A nomenclatura atribuída ao hiperandrogenismo é confusa e faltam ainda recomendações diagnósticas e terapêuticas padronizadas. O grupo Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excede (AWARE) foi criado com proposta de aborda os aspectos confusos e inconclusivos do hiperandrogenismo. Foram elaborados protocolos simplificados referentes ao diagnóstico e tratamento do hiperandrogenismo visando contribuir de forma mais eficaz com os médicos em seus diferentes cenários de atuação. O roteiro para o reconhecimento e abordagem dos sintomas cutâneos do hiperandrogenismo em mulheres compreende perguntas chaves e ações específicas, sinalizando para a indicação de métodos propedêuticos adicionais.(AU)

Hyperandrogenism is a complex public health problem. This condition can affect 1/5 of women in repro- ductive age and has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Women with hyperandrogenism may exhibit a combination of different symptoms and clinical repercussions. Cutaneous symptoms include seborrhea, acne, hirsutism, and alopecia. It is a challenging condition for both affected women and health professionals.The nomenclature attributed to hyperandrogenism is confusing, and standard diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations are lacking. The Appropriate Care for Women with Androgen Excess (AWARE) group was created to address the confusing and inconclusive aspects of hyperandrogenism. Simplified protocols have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperandrogenism, aiming to contribute more effectively to physicians in their different settings.The roadmap for recognizing and approaching the cutaneous symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women comprises key questions and specific actions, signaling for indication of additional propaedeutic methods.(AU)

Hirsutismo pós-menopausa: caso clínico raro de hipertecose ovárica / Post-menopausal hirsutism: a rare case of ovarian hyperthecosis

Durante o climatério podem ocorrer sinais clínicos de hiperandroginismo. Contudo quadros de virilização exigem investigação para exclusão de uma fonte produtora de androgênios. Doente de 66 anos, com menopausa espontânea aos 50, referenciada à consulta de ginecologia por hirsutismo após a menopausa, com agravamento no último ano e episódios demetrorragia que não valorizava. Ao exame objetivo tinha masculinização da voz, alopécia androgênica, aumento da pilosidade na face, tronco e membros e hipertrofia do clitóris.Feita ecografia endovaginal que revelou espessamento endometrial e ovários aumentados de volume para a idade; estudo analítico que demonstrou um valor de testosterona total elevado (225ng/dL); tomografia computadorizada da suprarrenal e ressonância magnética crânio-encefálica que não revelaram alterações; e histeroscopia com remoção de pólipo endometrial, associado a hiperplasia endometrial simples sem atipia. Submetida a histerectomia total com anexectomia bilateral. O estudo histológico concluiu tratar-se de hipertecose ovárica. Seis meses após a cirurgia apresentava normalização da testosterona sérica, acentuada redução do hirsutismo e melhoria da alopécia.O diagnóstico de hiperandrogenismo em mulheres na pós-menopausa constitui um desafio. Os meios complementares de diagnóstico nem sempre permitem detectar a origem da hiperandrogenemia. O tratamento da hipertecose ovárica melhora o hirsutismo e pode reduzir o risco de patologia maligna hormonodependente.

tMild clinical signs of hyperandrogenism such as hirsutism may arise during the menopausal transition as part of the aging process. However, development of virilization may be interpreted as the presence a specific source of androgen excess. 66 year-old menopausal woman, with a record of progressive hirsutism since menopausal age (50 years-old) exacerbated over the past year. Episodes of metrorrhagia were not valued by the patient. Physical examination showed deepening of voice, frontotemporal alopecia, hirsutism in face, trunk and limbs and hypertrophy of the clitoris. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed a thickened endometrium and enlarged ovaries considering her age and analytical study showed an increase of total testosterone (225ng/dL). No changes were detected at computerized tomography of adrenals and cerebral magnetic resonance. Performed an hysteroscopy with removal of endometrial polyp, associated to simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. The histological diagnosis after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, revealed a ovarian hyperthecosis. Six months after surgery it was observed a testosterone within the normal range, marked hirsutism reduction and alopecia improvement.Diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal is a challenging task. Imaging techniques do not always reveal the source of excess androgens. The ovarian hyperthecosis treatment effectively improves hirsutism and reduces the risk of hormone-dependent tumors.

Female hyperandrogenemia and normal serum levels of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin

It is well known that the reference values usually employed for endocrine biochemical measurements are those suggested by the suppliers of commercial kits despite their advice that each laboratory should set its own reference values. Our objectives were to (i) determine reference ranges for serum testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) appropriate to our laboratory and population, and (ii) to analyze their influence on evaluating hyperandrogenemia. SHBG and T were measured, and free and bioavailable testosterone calculated, in (a) 30 selected non-hyperandrogenic women, (b) 87 non-selected healthy female blood donors, (c) 53 women with hyperandrogenism, and (d) 38 women with hyperandrogenic disorders but without biochemical hyperandrogenemia according to normal ranges suggested by the kit manufacturer. Mean serum SHBG concentrations were significantly different among all four groups. SHBG levels were significantly higher in selected normal women (group a). Using our results for this selected control group as new reference values, 12 out of 38 (31.6%) women with hyperandrogenic disorders without apparent hyperandrogenemia (group d) were recategorized as hyperandrogenemic. Similarly, 4 out of 63 (6.4%) non-selected, normal weight, women (group b), were recategorized as hyperandrogenic. Therefore, the diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia would improve accuracy by using customized reference SHBG values instead of those suggested by the suppliers.

Con frecuencia los valores de referencia utilizados para las evaluaciones bioquímicas endocrinológicas son los sugeridos por los kits utilizados, a pesar de las recomendaciones de que cada laboratorio debiera obtener sus propios valores de normalidad. Nuestros objetivos fueron (i) analizar los rangos de referencia para testosterona (T) y globulina ligadora de esteroides sexuales (SHBG) apropiados para nuestro laboratorio y población, y (ii) analizar su influencia en la evaluación de la hiperandrogenemia. Se midió T y SHBG y se calculó testosterona libre y biodisponible en un grupo (a) control de 30 mujeres no hiperandrogénicas, (b) 87 mujeres no seleccionadas donantes de sangre, (c) 53 mujeres con hiperandrogenismo, y (d) 38 mujeres con desórdenes hiperandrogénicos pero sin hiperandrogenemia de acuerdo a los rangos de normalidad sugeridos por el kit. La concentración media de SHBG fue significativamente diferente entre los cuatro grupos. Los niveles de SHBG fueron significativamente más altos en las mujeres controles seleccionadas (grupo a). Tomando en consideración los resultados obtenidos en este grupo y estableciendo los rangos de referencia adecuados, 12 de 38 mujeres (31.6%) hiperandrogénicas sin hiperandrogenemia (grupo d) fueron recategorizadas como con exceso androgénico bioquímico. De igual manera, al analizar mujeres normopesas no seleccionadas, en edad reproductiva (grupo b), 4 de 63 (6.4%) pudieron ser definidas como hiperandrogénicas. Utilizando valores adecuados de referencia para SHBG, se mejora la precisión del diagnóstico de exceso androgénico.

A rational approach to the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome during adolescence / Uma abordagem racional do diagnóstico da síndrome dos ovários policísticos na adolescência

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction, with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. Three different sets of diagnostic criteria have been established in order to define this disease in adult women, but there is controversy regarding the use of these criteria in adolescence. During puberty, the adult criteria for ovulatory dysfunction does not seem applicable, because an irregular menstrual pattern and a decreased ovulatory rate is a physiologic event during this period of life. Also, a higher prevalence of polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) may be observed during this period, so PCOM is not a useful criterion to define PCOS in young women. These findings suggest that a key factor to diagnose to PCOS during adolescence is hyperandrogenism. In addition, since PCOM is not clearly associated with hyperandrogenism during this period of life, the term "polycystic ovarian syndrome" during adolescence creates confusion and may be misleading.

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é uma desordem que afeta pacientes por toda a vida e é caracterizada por hiperandrogenismo e disfunção ovariana, com um amplo leque de sintomas e sinais clínicos. Três diferentes conjuntos de critérios diagnósticos foram estabelecidos para definir essa doença em mulheres adultas, mas existem controvérsias relacionadas ao uso desses critérios na adolescência. Durante a puberdade, o critério de disfunção ovariana usado em adultos não parece aplicável, porque um padrão menstrual irregular e uma menor taxa de ovulação são eventos fisiológicos nesse período da vida. Além disso, uma maior prevalência de morfologia ovariana policística (MOP) pode ser observada nesse período, de forma que a MOP não é um critério útil para se definir a SOP em mulheres jovens. Esses achados sugerem que o hiperandrogenismo é um fator-chave para o diagnóstico da SOP na adolescência. Além disso, como a MOP não está claramente associada com o hiperandrogenismo durante esse período da vida, o termo "síndrome dos ovários policísticos" durante a adolescência cria confusão e pode ser errôneo.

Dificuldades e armadilhas no diagnóstico da síndrome dos ovários policísticos / Difficulties and pitfalls in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos é uma das endocrinopatias mais comuns, afetando aproximadamente 7 por cento das mulheres na idade reprodutiva. Embora tenha sido descrita em 1935, somente em 1990 foi elaborado o primeiro consenso com relação ao seu diagnóstico. Hoje, a síndrome é considerada também um fator de risco cardiovascular, com uma alta prevalência de distúrbios metabólicos. Como reflexo dessa nova visão da síndrome, vários documentos, entre Consensos, Posicionamentos e Orientações, têm sido publicados, abordando diversos aspectos da síndrome. O objetivo desta revisão é uma análise crítica desses documentos, obtidos mediante um levantamento na base PubMed, por meio dos unitermos polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperandrogenism e hirsutism, separadamente, tendo como limitador o termo Type of Article (Practice Guideline, Consensus Development Conference, Guideline), sem limitação de data, língua e idade. Foram selecionados apenas os documentos elaborados sob patrocínio de Entidades Médicas e com mais de um autor.

The polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrinopathies, affecting approximately 7 percent of women of reproductive age. Although it was described in 1935, only in 1990 was published the first Consensus regarding it its diagnosis. Today, the syndrome is also considered a cardiovascular risk factor, with a high prevalence of metabolic disorders. Reflecting this new vision of the syndrome, several documents, including Consensus, Statement and Guidelines have been published, addressing different aspects of the syndrome. This review is an analysis of documents obtained through a survey in the PubMed database, using the keywords "polycystic ovary syndrome", "hyperandrogenism" and "hirsutism", separately, taking as limiting the term Type of Article (Practice Guideline, Consensus Development Conference, Guideline) without limitation of time, language and age, having been selected only those documents prepared under the sponsorship of Medical Entities and with more than one author.

Evaluación de sensibilidad-especificidad de valores de 170H progesterona sérica, basales y post estímulo con ACTH, en función del análisis molecular del gen CYP21A2 en la deficiencia de 21-hidroxilasa no clásica / Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of serum 170H progesterone values at baseline and post ACTH stimulation in the function of molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene in non-classic 21-hydroxilase deficiency

La forma no clásica, post natal, de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita tiene una incidencia de 1 en 1000 en la población general y afecta al 6% de las mujeres hirsutas. En este estudio se estableció la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la respuesta de los niveles séricos de 17-hidroxiprogesterona (17OHP4) al estímulo agudo con ACTH en 203 pacientes de ambos sexos, pre y post puberales, con hiperandrogenismo, en los cuales se analizó si tenían una alteración molecular del gen CYP21A2. Posteriormente al estudio molecular, los pacientes fueron clasificados en tres grupos de acuerdo al genotipo: Gr0, n=61: ningún alelo mutado (no portadores de mutación); Gr1, n=55: un alelo mutado (portadores) y Gr2, n=87: dos alelos mutados (afectados). Por análisis de regresión logística (curvas ROC) se compararon los valores basales del Gr2 vs Gr0 y se obtuvo un valor de 17OHP4 de 7,2 ng/ml con una sensibilidad del 83% y una especificidad del 85%. Se sugiere entonces que en los pacientes con este nivel basal no se debería realizar el test de ACTH, y habría que confirmar el diagnóstico con el estudio molecular. Los niveles 17OHP4 a los 60 minutos post estímulo con ACTH mayores a 20 ng/ml son confirmatorios del diagnóstico con 84% de sensibilidad y 88% de especificidad. No sería necesario entonces realizar estudios moleculares. Un valor de 15,6 ng/ml diferencia Gr2 de Gr0 con una sensibilidad del 89% y una especificidad del 95%. Este es un buen valor predictivo, pero el análisis molecular no debería obviarse en aquellos casos en los que exista una fuerte sospecha clínica. (AU)

The incidence of non classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 1:1000 in the general population and it is present in 6% of hirsute women. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP4) response to acute ACTH stimulation was evaluated in 203 prepubertal and pubertal patients of the two sexes with hyperandrogenism, in whom the CYP21A2 gene was analyzed. After molecular analysis patients were divided in 3 groups according to genotype: Gr0, n=61, no mutated allele (no mutation carrier); Gr1, n=55, one mutated allele (carrier); and Gr2, n=81, two mutated alleles (affected patient). Using logistic regression analysis (ROC curves), basal values in Gr2 vs. Gr0 were compared and a cutoff value of 7.2 ng/ml was defined to separate groups, with 83% sensitivity and 85% specificity. It is suggested then that in patients with levels higher than 7,2 no ACTH test is necessary and molecular analysis is required to confirm diagnosis. Serum 17OHP4 values above 20 ng/ml 60 minutes after ACTH are confirmatory of diagnosis, with 84% sensitivity and 88% specificity. No molecular studies should be necessary. A 15.6 ng/ml cutoff value is able to differentiate Gr2 from Gr0, with 89% sensitivity and 95% specificity. It is a good predictive value, but carrying out molecular analysis is only advisable if clinical evidence is strong (AU)

Frequency of polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] Among obese diabetic and non diabetic females with clinical features of: hyperandrogenism

To determine the frequency of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in obese diabetic and non-diabetic females with clinical features of hyperandrogenism and to find if type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for developing polycystic ovarian syndrome. A cross-sectional comparative study. The study was done in Gynaecology and obstetric unit of Military Hospital Rawalpindi from June 2004 to April 2005. Eighty four obese females were enrolled and counseled about the procedure Body Mass Index [BMI] age and clinical features of hyperandrogenism, were recorded. Informed consent was taken, their relevant information was documented on the data collection sheets. These females were divided in two groups, 46 patients who had type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in group 1 [n=46], 38 patients with normal fasting plasma glucose were enrolled in group 2 [n=38] as controls. Transvaginal scan was done on females of both groups to record the findings of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS]. Eighty four women were included for the study, all had BMI > 28, out of 46 patients who were enrolled in group-1; 32 [69%] [95% C1:59.2-78.8] had polycystic ovaries on transvaginal scan [table], while in control group, 38 women who were enrolled 23; [61%] [95% CI: 50.7 - 71.3] had polycystic ovaries. The frequency of PCOS was slightly higher in diabetics compared to the non diabetics 70% vs 61% respectively. The statistical analysis by chi-square test revealed a statistically insignificant relationship [p>0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference between the frequency of PCOS among diabetics and non-diabetics and this does not support the view that type 2 diabetes could be a risk factor for PCOS

Síndrome dos ovários policísticos: uma visão atual / Polycystic ovary syndrome: an updated view

Este trabalho trata-se de uma revisão da síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) em relação aos seus aspectos etiopatogênicos, clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos. Tecem-se considerações sobre a importância não só de efetivo tratamento médico como também de abordagem e apoio psicológico, no sentido de melhorar ainda mais o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida dessas mulheres

The authors have reviewed the main aspects of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with respect to its etiopathogenic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features. They also make considerations on the importance of an effective clinical treatment as well as on the approaches and psychological support, aiming to improve women's well-being and quality of life

Hiperandrogenismo e irregularidades menstruales en mujeres jóvenes / Hyperandrogenism and menstrual disorders in young women

Objetivos: estudiar a jóvenes con irregularidad menstrual, hirsutismo, acné u obesidad, su incidencia de anovulación y la respuesta de aquellas hiperandrogénicas a bajas dosis de conticoides. Materiales y métodos: en 229 pacientes entre 10 y 25 años se midió TSH, PRL, LH, FSH, TT, TL. La ovulación se caracterizó según el moco cervical y niveles de progesterona séricos y urinarios. En caso de HA se realizó un test de supresión con dexametasona. Resultados: el 44,5 por ciento del total de la población consulta por oligomenorrea y el 66,9 por ciento presenta hiperandrogenismo. El 30 por ciento mostró en forma concomitante hiperprolactinemia, hiper o hipotiroidismo. El 85 por ciento presentó anovulación y el 81 por ciento de las hiperandrogénicas tuvo un test de supresión positivo. Conclusiones: la patología más frecuente en esta población es el hiperandrogenismo, que responde a dexametasona. Las jóvenes con trastornos menstruales deben ser estudiadas precozmente; con un tratamiento adecuado para su patología se prevendrían casos de infertilidad, cáncer y dislipidemia

Computed tomography for evaluation of adrenal dysfunction A/C- year follow-up

To evaluate the computed tomography [CT] morphology of the adrenal glands of patients with adrenal dysfunction. CT examination of adrenal glands was performed in 331 consecutive patients with symptoms suggestive of adrenal dysfunction. CT was performed using 4-mm contiguous sections for the adrenal area. Intravenous contrast was injected in 78 cases of the adrenal mass lesions. We analyzed 331 consecutive CT scans performed over a 10-year period. One hundred and twenty-seven patients had hypercortisolism, 23 had unilateral adrenal tumor, 18 had bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and 86 had normal adrenals. The CT diagnosis was confirmed at surgery in all 23 unilateral adrenal tumors except in 1 case [tuberculosis in a hyperplastic adrenal gland]. Among the 91 cases of hypertension, 86 were being evaluated for pheochromocytoma and 5 for Conn's syndrome. Forty-three had adrenal pheochromocytoma [1 bilateral] and 10 had extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma detectable on CT. Two of the 5 cases of hyperaldosteronism [Conn's syndrome] had adrenal tumor. Adrenal enlargement was observed in 17 of the 33 cases of Addison's disease. Four of them were cases of histoplasmosis. CT scanning is a sensitive tool for the imaging of adrenal glands. Both neoplastic and inflammatory lesions can alter adrenal gland morphology. Our results highlight the importance of studying adrenal morphology. CT morphology is helpful to decide the modality of treatment