title: Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage associated with prior steroid use: CT diagnosis.
abstract: We report an adult man who developed clinical signs suggestive of septic shock postoperatively. An abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan was obtained to look for a possible source of infection prior to repeat surgery. The CT scan revealed bilateral homogeneously enlarged hyperdense adrenal glands interpreted as representing adrenal hemorrhage. A diagnosis of acute adrenal insufficiency was suggested by the radiologist and appropriate therapy instituted. The adrenal hemorrhage was felt to be secondary to surgical stress in a patient with marginal adrenal function because of prior glucocorticoid use. The clinical features, etiologies and CT findings of adrenal hemorrhage and insufficiency in an adult are described.
mesh_terms: D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011468:Prostatectomy; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone