Adrenal tumors are most commonly identified incidentally during imaging for nonadrenal causes. Others may be identified after a patient presents with symptoms of adrenal hormone excess. Adrenal tumors are categorized as functional or nonfunctional, as well as by their malignant potential. It is important to understand the functionality of adrenal glands and properly diagnose potentially hormonally active adrenal tumors. This review outlines the anatomy and physiology of the adrenal glands and details the management of the diseases that result from adrenal hormone excess.
This review contains 8 figures, 7 tables, and 27 references.
Key words: Addison disease, adrenal, aldosterone, catecholamine, Conn syndrome, cortisol, Cushing syndrome, function, glucocorticoid, malignant, pheochromocytoma
Severe hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis caused by Conn syndrome