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Adrenal gland hemorrhage in patients with fatal bacterial infections

Jeannette Guarner1, Christopher D Paddock, Jeanine Bartlett

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Jeanette.Guarner@choa.org

Modern Pathology : an Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc
|May 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial infections frequently cause adrenal gland pathology, with hemorrhage being the most common finding in fatal cases. Bacteria are often detected in hemorrhaged adrenal glands, suggesting a pathogenic role for various bacterial species.

Area of Science:

  • Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Adrenal gland pathology is a known complication of bacterial infections.
  • Hemorrhage is specifically linked to meningococcemia, while abscesses occur in neonatal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the histopathology of adrenal glands in patients with bacterial infections.
  • To determine the frequency and types of adrenal lesions and their association with specific bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of adrenal gland histopathology in 65 patients with documented bacterial infections.
  • Use of immunohistochemistry to detect bacteria and bacterial antigens in adrenal tissues.
  • Correlation of findings with specific bacterial species identified in various tissues.

Main Results:

  • Bacteria were detected in the adrenal glands of 61% of patients.
  • Adrenal hemorrhage was observed in 60% of cases.
  • Bacteria or antigens were found in 79% of hemorrhaged adrenal glands, with Neisseria meningitidis being the most frequent pathogen, but other bacteria were also implicated.

Conclusions:

  • Hemorrhage is the predominant adrenal gland pathology in fatal bacterial infections.
  • Bacteria are frequently present in hemorrhaged adrenal glands, indicating a potential pathogenic role.
  • A diverse range of bacteria, not just Neisseria meningitidis, can cause adrenal lesions.

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