Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Adrenal morpho-functional alterations in patients with acromegaly
C Scaroni1, R Selice, S Benedini
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Unit, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy. carla.scaroni@unipd.it
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|September 13, 2008
Summary
Adrenal lesions are more common in acromegaly patients than the general population. These lesions appear benign and non-secreting, but require long-term monitoring for changes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Acromegaly, characterized by elevated growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), is linked to increased morbidity and tumor incidence.
- Adrenal masses are incidentally found in 1-5% of the general population via computed tomography (CT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of adrenal lesions in patients diagnosed with acromegaly.
- To investigate potential correlations between adrenal lesions and disease activity, duration, or hormone levels in acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 94 acromegaly patients (54 female, 40 male) underwent abdominal CT scans.
- Patients were categorized by disease status (active or controlled) and underwent hormonal assessments.
- Adrenal lesions were identified and characterized, with a subset undergoing a 1-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Adrenal lesions were detected in 27% of acromegaly patients, manifesting as unilateral masses (10%) or hyperplasia (14 monolateral, 4 bilateral).
- No significant differences in lesion prevalence were observed between active and controlled disease groups.
- Hormonal studies revealed no major endocrine abnormalities, and lesion size increased in 3 cases during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Adrenal lesions appear more frequent in acromegaly patients compared to the general population.
- No specific factor like GH/IGF-I levels or disease duration predicts the presence of these lesions.
- While generally benign and non-secreting, continued monitoring of adrenal lesions in acromegaly is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
01:16Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Adrenergic agonists' structure-activity relationship (SAR) determines their selectivity and efficacy. These agonists comprise a phenylethylamine moiety with an aromatic ring and an ethylamine side chain.
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...