Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Bilateral Adrenal Nodules Presenting With Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
Rashi Sandooja1, Oksana Hamidi2, Catherine D Zhang3
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
Objective:
Benign adrenocortical adenomas are frequently diagnosed on cross-sectional imaging performed for unrelated reasons. Up to 15% to 20% of adrenal nodules are bilateral, representing bilateral adenomas or primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.
Methods:
Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), diagnosed based on an abnormal dexamethasone suppression test, is seen in 19% to 44% of patients with adrenal adenomas. Distinguishing unilateral from bilateral MACS in patients with bilateral nodules is important to guide appropriate therapy and relies on imaging phenotype, and, in some cases, on adrenal vein sampling.
Results:
MACS is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, poor quality of life, frailty, and increased mortality. Reversal of MACS improves these outcomes; however, management of patients with bilateral MACS is challenging. Unilateral adrenalectomy in patients with bilateral nodules and MACS may lead to permanent remission (if MACS is unilateral), temporary remission, or improvement of the degree of MACS (if MACS is bilateral). No medical therapy is currently approved for MACS.
Conclusion:
Here, we review the presentation, diagnosis, and management of patients with bilateral adrenal nodules and MACS.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal 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...
01:17Anatomy 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...
01:31Hormones 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...
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
01:27Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
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...
01:26Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors...