Recognition and management of adrenal emergencies.
Although clinical conditions associated with dysfunction of the ad-renal gland are often subtle, even insidious, in their presentation,and diagnosis and treatment usually are confined to outpatient clinics and offices, there are several situations that warrant the attention of emergency physicians. Recognition of the spectrum of presentations of pheochromocytoma, adrenal insufficiency, and pituitary apoplexy, and the sequelae of corticosteroid therapy and withdrawal, are critically important areas to emergency medicine. Prompt diagnosis with appropriate treatment and referral will reduce morbidity and mortality in many patients each year. A related topic pertinent to emergency physicians is the management of incidental adrenal masses that are discovered on abdominal radio-logic imaging.
Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02111, USA. susan.torrey@bhs.org
Susan P
SP
Torrey
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology
D006854:Hydrocortisone