Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
24.4K
Update on the risks of benign adrenocortical incidentalomas
1Endocrinology Unit - Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|March 2, 2017
Summary
Nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) increase diabetes risk, while autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) or NFAIs progressing to ACS heighten cardiovascular disease risks. Early detection and management are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Adrenocortical incidentalomas are increasingly recognized for their association with comorbidities.
- Understanding the risks of nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) and those with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent evidence on the risks associated with NFAIs and ACS.
- To summarize potential comorbidities linked to these adrenal tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on adrenocortical tumors.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding metabolic and cardiovascular risks.
Main Results:
- Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is linked to glucose metabolism alterations in 30% of cases, with surgery potentially improving diabetes.
- Nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) are associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing prediabetes/diabetes.
- Both ACS and NFAIs carry increased risks for cardiovascular events and mortality, with 13% of NFAIs potentially progressing to ACS.
Conclusions:
- NFAIs pose a risk for developing glucose metabolism disturbances.
- ACS and NFAIs that convert to ACS increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
3.7K
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...
3.7K
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
5.4K
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...
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...
5.4K
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
6.2K
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...
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...
6.2K
01:27Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
3.2K
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...
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...
3.2K
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
69.0K
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.
69.0K
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
451
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
451