Adrenal atrophy overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maryam Hadipour, M.D.[2]
Overview
Adrenal atrophy is the shrinkage of adrenal gland due to reduce in size and number of adrenal gland cells.
Historical Perspective
We have had many famous cases of adrenal atrophy like president John F. Kennedy, king Henry VIII.
Classification
There is no established system for the classification of adrenal atrophy. However, some authors have classified it by causes.
Pathophysiology
The adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions. Adrenal atrophy may be caused by a loss of ACTH and trophic support of the adrenal cortex or direct damage to the tissue due to exogenous corticosteroid overuse or an endocrine disease, affecting the glands.
Causes
Adrenal atrophy may be caused by a loss of ACTH and trophic support of the adrenal cortex or direct damage to the tissue.
Adrenal atrophy differential diagnosis
There are some conditions that cause salt wasting, nausea, vomiting, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and finally adrenal hormone imbalance which should be differentiated from adrenal atrophy.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Generally, secondary adrenal atrophy is more common than primary adrenal atrophy and is more common in women. Clinical manifestations occur in 30s to 50s in primary and in 60s in secondary adrenal atrophy.
Risk Factor
There are no established risk factors for adrenal atrophy.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for adrenal atrophy. However, the adrenal-hypopituitary axis can be evaluated with sodium, potassium, renin, aldosterone, cortisol, DHEA, ACTH, and CRH levels.