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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
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...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla01:27

Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla

The sympathetic pathways of the collateral ganglia and adrenal medulla serve unique but interconnected roles in the sympathetic response.
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

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

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Adrenal incidentalomas.

David Aron1, Massimo Terzolo, T J Cawood

  • 1VA HSR&D Quality Enhancement Research Initiative Center for Implementation Practice & Research Support (CIPRS), Louis Stokes Cleveland Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 14(W), Cleveland, OH 44106, United States. David.Aron@va.gov

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
|February 7, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are adrenal masses found incidentally. Management remains controversial, focusing on identifying rare high-risk cases while avoiding unnecessary interventions for most benign tumors.

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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
08:37

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands

Published on: October 2, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Radiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are adrenal masses detected incidentally during imaging for unrelated reasons.
  • Current management strategies for AI lack universal consensus, despite NIH-sponsored conferences.
  • Differentiating benign from malignant or hormonally active AI is crucial for appropriate patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current controversies and challenges in the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of adrenal incidentalomas.
  • To highlight the importance of identifying the small subset of AI with significant risk (hormonal activity or malignancy).
  • To discuss the diagnostic utility of imaging and the clinical implications of autonomous cortisol production.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and guidelines regarding adrenal incidentaloma management.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges, including imaging characteristics for differentiating benign and malignant lesions.
  • Discussion of the clinical significance of hormonally active AI, particularly autonomous cortisol production.

Main Results:

  • Most adrenal incidentalomas are non-secreting cortical adenomas.
  • Autonomous cortisol production is the most common functional abnormality, linked to cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome.
  • Imaging characteristics can suggest malignancy but are often inconclusive, necessitating further evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • The management of adrenal incidentalomas requires careful consideration to identify high-risk lesions while minimizing overtreatment.
  • Further research and standardized guidelines are needed to address persistent controversies in AI diagnosis and follow-up.
  • Recognizing the association between autonomous cortisol production and adverse health outcomes is critical for patient management.