Adrenal gland, skin changesL81.4

The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticodie (aldosterone) and adrenal androgens (testosterone). It thus participates in intermediary metabolism and immunological reactions, is necessary for the regulation of blood pressure, vascular volume and electrolytes, and forms secondary sexual characteristics. Accordingly, over- and underfunctions of the adrenal cortex manifest themselves in very different ways.

Adrenocortical insufficiency:

Addison, M.

• Addison's, White.

Adrenocortical hyperfunction, cortisol partial function:

Cushing's syndrome:

• Central Cushing's syndrome (Cushing's disease, Cushing's disease): Increased production of ACTH in the anterior pituitary with subsequent increased corticosteroid release from the adrenal cortex (see also Pituitary disorders, Skin lesions).
• Adrenal Cushing's syndrome (increased secretion of glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids from the adrenal cortex in the course of neoplasia (adenomas or carcinomas) with subsequent suppressed release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary); so-called "white Cushing's" see also Addison's disease, white.
• Ectopic (paraneoplastic) Cushing's syndrome (formation of corticoids in ectopic tissue, e.g. in small-cell bronchial carcinoma).
• Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (following regular systemic administration of ACTH or glucocorticoids).
• Hypothalamic-pituitary Cushing's syndrome (disorders of hypothalamic-pituitary regulation).
• Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome, so-called Cushingoid (passive Cushing's symptoms, e.g. after severe skull injuries).

Adrenocortical hyperfunction, androgen partial function (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione):

Androgenization syndrome (hirsutism, oligomenorrhea, acne, virilization).

• Adrenogenital syndrome, congenital

Adrenal medullary hyperfunction:

• Pheochromocytoma.