Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Medical management of adrenal disease: a narrative review
1Department of Endocrinology, E Venizelou Hospital, 2, Athens GR-11521, Greece.
Abstract:
Adrenal diseases comprise for a variety of medical endocrine issues, ranging from partial or complete gland insufficiency, to several kinds of adrenal hyperfunction, either of congenital or neoplastic etiology. For hypofunction of the adrenals (partial or complete) the treatment of choice is medical; the mainstay of treatment is hydrocortisone. Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency are treated with glucocorticoids to control androgen excess. Most benign neoplastic adrenal diseases that cause hyperfunction of the gland are surgically treated, however this may not be always feasible or effective. For Cushing's syndrome ketoconazole controls cortisol's hypersecretion, whereas in case of bilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism spironolactone controls hypokalemia and hypertension. For neoplastic adrenomedullary disease surgery is the treatment of choice; medical treatment is used preoperatively (mainly alpha blockers) and in case of disease persistence and /or recurrence (mainly metyrosine). For malignant adrenocortical disease, surgical removal remains the indicated treatment, but if the potential for surgical intervention is limited due to tumor extension, medical treatment can alleviate symptoms of hormone hypersecretion; mitotane in selected patients has good results.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenal Gland Disorders
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...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
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...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
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...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
