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Related Concept Videos

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing 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...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing 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...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal 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...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy 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...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones 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...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

[Corticotroph adenoma].

Laurence Guignat1, Guillaume Assie, Xavier Bertagna

  • 1Centre de référence des maladies rares de la surrénale, Service des maladies endocriniennes et métaboliques, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France.

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|December 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Corticotroph adenomas cause ACTH oversecretion, leading to Cushing's disease, the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome. Diagnosis involves hormonal and imaging tests, with pituitary surgery as the primary treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Neurosurgery

Context:

  • Cushing's disease results from ACTH oversecretion by corticotroph adenomas.
  • It is the most frequent cause of Cushing's syndrome, characterized by excess endogenous glucocorticoids.
  • Most corticotroph adenomas are microadenomas, often undetectable by MRI, while rare macroadenomas can be aggressive.

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnostic process for Cushing's disease.
  • To detail the treatment strategies for corticotroph adenomas.

Summary:

  • Diagnosis requires comprehensive hormonal assays and imaging to confirm Cushing's syndrome and identify pituitary origin.
  • Primary treatment involves pituitary surgery.
  • Alternative or adjuvant therapies include medical treatment (anticortisolic drugs), radiotherapy, or bilateral adrenalectomy for refractory cases.

More Related Videos

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells
08:31

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Published on: February 18, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells
08:31

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Published on: February 18, 2016

Impact:

  • Improved understanding of corticotroph adenoma diagnosis and management.
  • Highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating Cushing's disease.
  • Provides a concise overview for clinicians and researchers in the field of neuroendocrinology.