Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS) is defined as adrenal gland failure due to hemorrhages in the adrenal glands, commonly caused by sepsis. Typically, the bacteria responsible for triggering the bleeding is Neisseria meningitidis. [1] The bacterial infection leads to massive bleeding into one or both adrenal glands. [2]
As almost all DHEA is derived from the adrenal glands, blood measurements of DHEA-S/DHEA are useful to detect excess adrenal activity as seen in adrenal cancer or hyperplasia, including certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have elevated levels of DHEA-S. [60]
In humans, the right adrenal gland is pyramidal in shape, whereas the left is semilunar or crescent shaped and somewhat larger. [8] The adrenal glands measure approximately 5 cm in length, 3 cm in width, and up to 1 cm in thickness. [9] Their combined weight in an adult human ranges from 7 to 10 grams. [10] The glands are yellowish in colour. [8]
[1] [10] A single adrenal gland may also be removed in cases where only one is enlarged. [4] In cases due to enlargement of both glands, treatment is typically with medications known as aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone or eplerenone. [1] Other medications for high blood pressure and a low salt diet, e.g. DASH diet, may also be needed.
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones. The adrenal glands—also referred to as the adrenal cortex—normally secrete glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol), mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone), and androgens.
Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland. [4] [5] It is essential for sodium conservation in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon. [6]
The ACTH test (also called the cosyntropin, tetracosactide, or Synacthen test) is a medical test usually requested and interpreted by endocrinologists to assess the functioning of the adrenal glands' stress response by measuring the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; corticotropin) or another corticotropic agent such as tetracosactide (cosyntropin, tetracosactrin; Synacthen ...
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, diseases in the production of cortisol; Nelson's syndrome, the rapid enlargement of the ACTH producing pituitary after the removal of both adrenal glands; Adrenoleukodystrophy, can be accompanied by adrenal insufficiency; West syndrome ("infantile spasms"), a disease where ACTH is used as a therapy