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adrenalitis
Etiology:
1) autoimmune
2) infection
a) viral (CMV, HIV)
b) bacterial (tuberculosis)
Pathology:
- inflammation of the adrenal gland
Laboratory:
- 21-hydroxylase Ab in serum (positive in 90% of autoimmune adrenalitis)
Radiology:
- on abdominal CT, adrenal glands often appear atrophic
- enlarged adrenal glans would suggest an alternative diagnosis (see adrenal insufficiency)
Complications:
- adrenal insufficiency -> Addison's disease
- patients with auroimmune adrenalitis are at risk for other autoimmune diseases
- hypothyroidism, ovarian insufficiency, diabetes mellitus type 1, celiac disease, pernicious anemia
General
adrenal gland disease
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 18,
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2018