[CME: Adrenal Insufficiency]
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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
11 Abteilung Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Departement Innere Medizin, Luzerner Kantonsspital.
Abstract:
CME: Adrenal Insufficiency Abstract. Patients suffering from adrenal insufficiency (AI) often present with unspecific symptoms. Therefore, the diagnosis of AI, a potential life-threatening condition, can be missed. Lab tests, especially the ACTH-stimulation test, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of AI. According to the different etiologies, AI can be grouped into a primary (adrenal) or central (hypothalamic or pituitary, respectively) form. However, the most common cause is the treatment with glucocorticoids, which can lead to central AI. Patients suffering from AI are given hydrocortisone. The chronic replacement dose should be as low as possible, in acute situations, a rapid and sufficient increase of the hydrocortisone dose is necessary to prevent adrenal crisis. Replacement therapy with fludrocortisone is only necessary in patients with primary AI.
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