Condition Lookup
Category:
Adrenal Disorders
Number of Conditions: 8
Primary (Addison’s Disease)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Insufficiency
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight loss; muscle weakness; low blood pressure; salt cravings; hyperpigmentation of the skin; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; hypoglycemia
Root Cause:
Destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex leads to insufficient production of cortisol and, often, aldosterone.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests showing low cortisol and high ACTH levels, and confirmation with an ACTH stimulation test. Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyponatremia, hyperkalemia) and low aldosterone may also be observed.
Treatment:
Lifelong hormone replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, stress management, and patient education on managing adrenal crises.
Medications:
Medications include hydrocortisone or prednisone (glucocorticoids) to replace cortisol and fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) to replace aldosterone. These are classified as corticosteroid replacement therapies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1 in 100,000 people are affected, with equal distribution across genders.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome), infections (e.g., tuberculosis), adrenal hemorrhage, or genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, individuals can live normal lives, but they must manage the risk of adrenal crises, especially during stress or illness.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crisis (life-threatening), severe hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and hypoglycemia.
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g., Pituitary Dysfunction)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Insufficiency
Symptoms:
fatigue; muscle weakness; low blood pressure; nausea; vomiting; dizziness; hypoglycemia
Root Cause:
Inadequate production of ACTH by the pituitary gland leads to insufficient stimulation of the adrenal glands, resulting in low cortisol levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves measuring cortisol and ACTH levels, as well as dynamic testing (e.g., ACTH stimulation test, insulin tolerance test). Brain imaging (MRI) may be used to identify pituitary abnormalities.
Treatment:
Glucocorticoid replacement therapy and, if applicable, addressing the underlying cause (e.g., pituitary tumor or discontinuation of long-term corticosteroid use).
Medications:
Medications include hydrocortisone or prednisone to replace cortisol. These are classified as glucocorticoid replacement therapies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than primary adrenal insufficiency; often associated with prolonged corticosteroid use or pituitary dysfunction. Exact prevalence is unclear but estimated to be higher than Addison's disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-term corticosteroid use, pituitary tumors, traumatic brain injury, or radiation therapy to the brain.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with treatment, but adrenal crises may occur during stress or illness if glucocorticoid dosing is not increased.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crisis, persistent fatigue, hypoglycemia, and dependence on hormone replacement therapy.
Cushing’s Syndrome (Excess Cortisol)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Hyperfunction
Symptoms:
weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face; round, moon-shaped face; purple stretch marks on the skin; weakness; fatigue; easily bruised skin; high blood pressure; diabetes; osteoporosis; irritability or depression
Root Cause:
Chronic overproduction of cortisol due to an adrenal tumor, pituitary adenoma (Cushing’s disease), ectopic ACTH secretion, or prolonged use of glucocorticoid medications.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through serum cortisol tests, dexamethasone suppression test, and imaging for adrenal or pituitary tumors.
Treatment:
Treated with surgery, medications, or radiation depending on the underlying cause.
Medications:
Medications include ketoconazole (an antifungal with cortisol-lowering effects), mitotane (an adrenal cytotoxic agent), metyrapone (a cortisol synthesis inhibitor), and pasireotide (a somatostatin analog used for Cushing’s disease).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 10–15 cases per million people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-term use of glucocorticoid medications, genetic predisposition, or presence of tumors in the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment, but untreated cases can lead to serious complications and reduced life expectancy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, infections, cardiovascular disease, and psychological issues like depression.
Primary Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Hyperfunction
Symptoms:
high blood pressure resistant to standard treatments; low potassium levels; muscle weakness; frequent urination; fatigue; headaches; tingling or cramping in muscles
Root Cause:
Overproduction of aldosterone from an adrenal adenoma (tumor) or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, leading to excessive sodium retention and potassium loss.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by measuring aldosterone-to-renin ratio and adrenal imaging.
Treatment:
Treated with aldosterone antagonists or surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland.
Medications:
Medications include spironolactone or eplerenone (aldosterone receptor antagonists) and amiloride (a potassium-sparing diuretic).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 5–10% of all cases of hypertension; more common in individuals with resistant hypertension.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, hypertension, obesity, and age (middle-aged adults are at higher risk).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper management, but untreated cases may lead to severe cardiovascular and renal complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, stroke, and persistent hypertension.
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Hyperfunction
Symptoms:
episodic high blood pressure; headaches; palpitations; excessive sweating; anxiety or panic attacks; tremors; pale skin; weight loss
Root Cause:
Tumors in the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma) or extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue (paraganglioma) causing excessive secretion of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using plasma or urine metanephrines and imaging (CT/MRI).
Treatment:
Treated with surgical resection after preoperative alpha- and beta-blockade.
Medications:
Preoperative medications include phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin (alpha-blockers) and propranolol (beta-blocker) to manage symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1% in hypertensive patients.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., MEN2, VHL, NF1), family history, and age (most common in adults aged 30–50).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early surgical treatment, but undiagnosed cases can be fatal due to hypertensive crises.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular complications (stroke, arrhythmias), multi-organ damage, and malignant transformation in rare cases.
Adrenogenital Syndrome (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Hypofunction and Hyperfunction (depending on enzyme deficiency)
Symptoms:
ambiguous genitalia in newborns; early onset of puberty; rapid growth during childhood; short adult stature; salt-wasting symptoms (vomiting, dehydration, low blood pressure); excess hair growth in females; irregular menstrual cycles
Root Cause:
Genetic enzyme deficiencies (most commonly 21-hydroxylase deficiency) impair cortisol and aldosterone synthesis, leading to excess androgen production and potential salt-wasting.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through hormone testing (e.g., 17-hydroxyprogesterone) and genetic studies.
Treatment:
Treated with lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy.
Medications:
Medications include hydrocortisone , prednisone , or dexamethasone (glucocorticoids) and fludrocortisone (mineralocorticoid for salt-wasting forms).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 15,000 live births worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history (autosomal recessive inheritance).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and lifelong treatment, but untreated cases may lead to life-threatening adrenal crises.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crises, infertility, psychological effects, and metabolic issues due to overtreatment.
Adrenal Adenomas (Functional and Non-Functional)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Tumors
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; unexplained weight gain or loss; hypertension; fatigue; weakness; hormonal imbalances such as excess cortisol, aldosterone, or androgens (in functional adenomas); asymptomatic (in non-functional adenomas)
Root Cause:
Benign tumors in the adrenal gland, which may or may not produce excess hormones, leading to varied clinical presentations.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood and urine tests for hormone levels, imaging studies such as CT or MRI to identify the size and location of the adenoma, and adrenal vein sampling in specific cases.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on whether the adenoma is functional or non-functional. Functional adenomas typically require surgical removal, whereas non-functional adenomas may be monitored for growth and changes.
Medications:
Medications to manage symptoms include antihypertensives for blood pressure control, spironolactone for aldosterone-related issues, and ketoconazole or metyrapone to reduce cortisol production in Cushing’s syndrome. These medications are classified as antihypertensives, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and steroidogenesis inhibitors, respectively.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Found in approximately 3–5% of adults, with prevalence increasing with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, obesity, hypertension, and family history of adrenal tumors or hormone disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if the adenomas are treated or monitored appropriately; functional adenomas can lead to complications if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, or malignant transformation (rare).
Adrenal Carcinoma
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Tumors
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; unexplained weight loss; hypertension; virilization or feminization (due to androgen or estrogen secretion); cushingoid features (from excess cortisol); weakness; palpable abdominal mass
Root Cause:
A rare and aggressive cancer arising from the adrenal cortex, often associated with excess production of adrenal hormones.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood and urine tests to assess hormone secretion, imaging studies like CT or MRI to identify tumor size and spread, and biopsy or surgical pathology for definitive diagnosis.
Treatment:
Treatment often involves surgical removal of the tumor (adrenalectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and spread.
Medications:
Mitotane , an adrenalytic agent, is commonly used to reduce hormone production and target cancer cells. Additional chemotherapy agents include etoposide , doxorubicin , and cisplatin .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, with an incidence of 1–2 cases per million annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and MEN1; family history of adrenal cancers; and certain environmental exposures.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early-stage tumors have a better prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50–60%. Advanced-stage adrenal carcinoma has a much poorer prognosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to other organs (lungs, liver, or bones), severe hormonal imbalances, and recurrence after treatment.