The features of the symptom s,laboratory tests and pathological characteristics of a- drenal cortical and m edullary hyperplasia were studied. In 6 cases of hypercatecholaminenia,plas- ma norepinephrine(NE) ,epineph...The features of the symptom s,laboratory tests and pathological characteristics of a- drenal cortical and m edullary hyperplasia were studied. In 6 cases of hypercatecholaminenia,plas- ma norepinephrine(NE) ,epinephrine(E) ,catecholam ine(CA) and2 4 - h urinary vanillylmandelic acid(VMA) ,17- hydroxycorticosteroid (OHCS) and 17- ketosteroid (KS) were determ ined.A- drenal glands were exam ined by CT scan and 1 31 I- MIBG imaging.Pathological examination was performed after operation.The results showed that in 6 cases of hypercatecholaminenia(3m en and 3women) aged from 34- 5 0 years,the clinical features were just like“pheochromocytoma”, for example,episodic headache,perspiration,palpitation,pallor,apprehension,nausea,tremor, anxiety and so on. Plasma levels of CA,NE and E were elevated in all 6 cases. 2 4 - h urinary sam - ples obtained atthe onsetrevealed elevated VMA in1case. 2 4 - h urinary cortisol was obviously el- evated in all6 cases. 2 4 - h urinary17- OHCS,17- KS was norm al.B- type ultrasound,CT,MRI and1 31 I- MIBG revealed9lateral adrenal gland diffuse or nodular enlargem entin6 cases.Patholog- ic exam ination showed adrenal cortical and medullary hyperplasia.Clinically,adrenal cortical and m edullary hyperplasia resembled“pheochromocytom a”. The m ost significant feature of this dis- ease was both elevated plasma CA and 2 4 - h urinary cortisol obviously. Pathologic exam ination showed adrenal cortex nodular hyperplasia and medullar diffuse or lim it hyperplasia. Whether it is an independent disease or symptoms of the other disease has not final conclusion up till now展开更多
In order to study the aging changes of intramito-chondrial RNA synthesis of mouse adrenal cells, 10 groups of developing and aging mice, each consisting of 3 individuals, total 30, from fetal day 19 to postna-tal newb...In order to study the aging changes of intramito-chondrial RNA synthesis of mouse adrenal cells, 10 groups of developing and aging mice, each consisting of 3 individuals, total 30, from fetal day 19 to postna-tal newborn at day 1, 3, 9, 14, adult at month 1, 2, 6 and senescent animals at month 12 (year 1) and 24 (year 2) were injected with 3H-uridine, an RNA pre-cursor, sacrificed 1 hr later and the adrenal tissues were fixed and processed for electron microscopic radioautography. On electron microscopic radio-autograms obtained from each animal, the number of mitochondria per cell, the number of labeled mito-chondria with 3H-uridine showing RNA synthesis per cell and the mitochondrial labeling index in each adreno-cortical cells, in 3 zones, as well as in each adreno-medullary cells, 2 types of cells in the medulla, the adrenalin cells and the noradrenalin cells, were calculated and the results in respective aging groups were compared with each others. The results demon-strated that the number of mitochondria in adreno-cortical cells in 3 zones, the zona glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis of respective mice at vari-ous ages increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 1 reaching the plateau from month 1 to 24 due to development and aging of animals, respectively, while the number of labeled mitochondria per cell and the labeling index of intramitochondrial RNA synthesis incorporating 3H-uridine increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 2, reaching the maxima and decreased slightly from month 6 to month 24. On the other hand, the number of mito-chondria per cell in the medulla increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 1 reaching the plateau from month 1 to 24, while the number of labeled mi-tochondria per cell and the labeling index of in-tramitochondrial RNA synthesis increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal day 14, reaching the maxima and decreased from month 1 to 24. From the results, it was demonstrated that the activity of intramitochno-drial RNA synthesis in both the cortical and me-dullary cells in developing and aging mice adrenals changed due to aging of individual animals.展开更多
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a group of autosomal recessive disorders resulting from deficiency of enzymes essential for the synthesis of cortisol.Disease of the adrenal cortex,but there may be involvement adreno...Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a group of autosomal recessive disorders resulting from deficiency of enzymes essential for the synthesis of cortisol.Disease of the adrenal cortex,but there may be involvement adrenomedullary.Cortisol and epinephrine are directly related to the individual’s stress response.Lower values of epinephrine in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia could be related to increased clinical complications and hospitalizations rate.We evaluated the serum values of metanephrines and normetanephrines in children and adolescents with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and primary hypothyroidism and possible correlations with disease and hospitalizations.Cross-sectional study involved 29 patients(10 simple virilizing and 19 salt-wasting),and control group of 28 patients with primary hypothyroidism(10 overt and 18 subclinical).There were no differences in age(p=0.24)and metanephrine(p=0.34)or normetanephrine values(p=0.85)between groups.Hospitalization rate was higher in the cases than in the controls(51 x 12).We conclude the serum values of metanephrine and normetanephrine in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia were within the normal values of reference,with no significant difference of group with primary hypothiroidism.The number of hospitalizations in the case was high in relation to the control,mainly in salt-wasting.展开更多
Rationale:Adrenal histoplasmosis can present as bilateral adrenal enlargement with constitutional symptoms and/or adrenal insufficiency.Often these patients are initially investigated as secondary adrenal metastases b...Rationale:Adrenal histoplasmosis can present as bilateral adrenal enlargement with constitutional symptoms and/or adrenal insufficiency.Often these patients are initially investigated as secondary adrenal metastases before eventually their diagnosis established by histopathological examination of the adrenal tissues.Patients concerns:We report 4 cases of patients aged 55-78 who presented with hypocortisolism and bilateral adrenal masses.Diagnoses:Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis.Interventions:Three patients received antifungal treatment for at least one year while 1 patient passed away before the initiation of antifungal treatment.Outcomes:Two patients’adrenal function recovered not requiring any steroid replacement,while 1 patient still requires long-term steroid replacement.Lessons:Adrenal histoplasmosis should be excluded in patients from endemic areas presenting with bilateral adrenal masses and adrenal insufficiency.Usually patients have an exposure to bird droppings,bat guano or soil contaminated with histoplasmosis fungi.Histopathological examination of biopsied adrenal tissues is still the gold standard investigation as serology and molecular diagnostic methods are still not widely available in most centers in Malaysia.展开更多
Background: Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal cortex that leads to inadequate production of cortisol initially followed by aldosterone and androgens. Its manifestations are usually slow and non-spec...Background: Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal cortex that leads to inadequate production of cortisol initially followed by aldosterone and androgens. Its manifestations are usually slow and non-specific with potential for life-threatening adrenal crisis following hypermetabolic demands (infection, trauma, surgery). Patients: Over the past 10 years, 19 CRD-patients were diagnosed with occult PAI in our center. Results: Unprovoked hypotension was the most common manifestations of occult PAI and was the unmasking event in 11 (58%). It was without significant cardiac and/or severe systemic sepsis and was refractory to isotonic saline infusions. Equal number of the remaining patients (n = 2) presented with persistent and inexplicable electrolytes abnormalities viz. 1) hyponatremia despite restricted oral fluid intake, lack of dehydration and massive fluid overload, as well as 2) hyperkalemia despite potassium-restricted diet, hyperkalemic drugs and adequate therapy with Furosemide and low-potassium dialysis-baths. On the other hand, similar proportions presented with unprovoked 3) progressive weight loss, decrease appetite and cachexia as well as 4) frequent hypoglycemic attacks. All patients were treated and were medically stable after 29 (2 - 60) months of follow up. Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase enzyme were positive in 16 (90%). At diagnosis, and subsequent follow up, only 7 patients (37%) had multi-endocrine dysfunction of whom 2 with type 1 and 5 with type 2. Conclusion: High index of suspicion should be exerted in diagnosis of PAI in patients with CRD, since its clinical picture is similar to CRD manifestations and complications. In those patients, confirmatory tests and specific management can save their lives. .展开更多
BACKGROUND Addison’s disease(AD)is a rare but potentially fatal disease in Western countries,which can easily be misdiagnosed at an early stage.Severe adrenal tuberculosis(TB)may lead to depression in patients.CASE S...BACKGROUND Addison’s disease(AD)is a rare but potentially fatal disease in Western countries,which can easily be misdiagnosed at an early stage.Severe adrenal tuberculosis(TB)may lead to depression in patients.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenal TB with TB in the lungs and skin in a 48-year-old woman.The patient was misdiagnosed with depression because of her depressed mood.She had hyperpigmentation of the skin,nails,mouth,and lips.The final diagnosis was adrenal TB that resulted in the insufficient secretion of adrenocortical hormone.Adrenocortical hormone test,skin biopsy,T cell spot test of TB,and adrenal computed tomography scan were used to confirm the diagnosis.The patient’s condition improved after hormone replacement therapy and TB treatment.CONCLUSION Given the current status of TB in high-burden countries,outpatient doctors should be aware of and pay attention to TB and understand the early symptoms of AD.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological,demographic,clinical features,treatment approaches,and survival of patients followed up for adrenal incidentaloma.Methods:Data from 46 patients who were treated and followed u...Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological,demographic,clinical features,treatment approaches,and survival of patients followed up for adrenal incidentaloma.Methods:Data from 46 patients who were treated and followed up due to adrenal incidentaloma in the Endocrinology Department of Mersin University Health Research and Application Hospital between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Of the cases included in the study,13 were male,33 were female,and the mean age was 54.09±10.7 years.The most common reason for admission was abdominal pain in 34.78%of the patients,the most commonly diagnosed radiological method was dynamic adrenal CT in 60.87%,and the most common location was the left adrenal gland.The mean lesion diameter was between 26.8±16.5 mm.The frequency of hypertension was 50%,obesity 47.8%,type 2 diabetes 21.7%,osteoporosis 42.8%,and metabolic syndrome 41.3%.According to hormonal evaluation results,non-functional adrenal adenoma(NFAA)was found in 82.61%,subclinical Cushing’s syndrome(SCS)in 15.21%,and aldosteronoma in 2.1%.Myelolipoma,pheochromocytoma,and adrenocortical adenoma were diagnosed in 8 cases undergoing adrenalectomy.One patient died due to liver failure.No hormonal activation or growth in lesion size was detected during the follow-up of the patients.Conclusion:Due to the very different pathological and radiological appearances of adrenal incidentaloma,it is important to evaluate demographic,etiological,clinical,laboratory,and radiological data as a whole in the treatment and follow-up.展开更多
AIM: To report the clinical impact of adrenal endoscop-ic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the evaluation of patients with adrenal gland enlargement or mass.METHODS: In a retrospective single-center...AIM: To report the clinical impact of adrenal endoscop-ic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the evaluation of patients with adrenal gland enlargement or mass.METHODS: In a retrospective single-center case-series, patients undergoing EUS-FNA of either adrenal gland from 1997-2011 in our tertiary care center were included. Medical records were reviewed and results of EUS, cytology, adrenal size change on follow-up imag-ing ≥ 6 mo after EUS and any repeat EUS or surgery were abstracted. A lesion was considered benign if: (1) EUS-FNA cytology was benign and the lesion remained 〈 1 cm from its original size on follow-up computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging or repeat EUS ≥ 6 mo after EUS-FNA; or (2) subsequent adrenalectomy and surgical pathology was benign. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients had left (n = 90) and/or right (n = 5) adrenal EUS-FNA without adverse events. EUS indications included: cancer staging or suspected recurrence (n = 31), pancreatic (n = 20), medi-astinal (n = 10), adrenal (n = 7), lung (n = 7) mass or other indication (n = 19). Diagnoses after adrenal EUS-FNA included metastatic lung (n = 10), esophageal (n= 5), colon (n = 2), or other cancer (n = 8); benign primary adrenal mass or benign tissue (n = 60); or was non-diagnostic (n = 9). Available follow-up confrmed a benign lesion in 5/9 non-diagnostic aspirates and 32/60 benign aspirates. Four of the 60 benign aspirates were later confrmed as malignant by repeat biopsy, follow-up CT, or adrenalectomy. Adrenal EUS-FNA diagnosed metastatic cancer in 24, and ruled out metastasis in 10 patients. For the diagnosis of malignancy, EUS-FNA of either adrenal had sensitivity, specifcity, positive predic-tive value and negative predictive value of 86%, 97%, 96% and 89%, respectively.CONCLUSION: Adrenal gland EUS-FNA is safe, mini-mally invasive and a sensitive technique with signifcant impact in the management of adrenal gland mass or enlargement.展开更多
Dear Editor,Adrenocortical carcinomas and adrenal cysts,including pseudocysts,are uncommon tumors[1,2].No consistent approach to surgery for large adrenal tumors including cysts,has been established,and especially whe...Dear Editor,Adrenocortical carcinomas and adrenal cysts,including pseudocysts,are uncommon tumors[1,2].No consistent approach to surgery for large adrenal tumors including cysts,has been established,and especially when malignancy is suspected,consideration is still given to the option of laparotomy.Using robot-assisted surgery,we successfully performed the resection of a giant adrenal pseudocyst and a giant adrenocortical carcinoma,as reported previously[3],underlining the advantages of robot-assisted surgery for large adrenal tumors.展开更多
The Chinese tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri chinensis)has emerged as a promising model for investigating adrenal steroid synthesis,but it is unclear whether the same cells produce steroid hormones and whether their produc...The Chinese tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri chinensis)has emerged as a promising model for investigating adrenal steroid synthesis,but it is unclear whether the same cells produce steroid hormones and whether their production is regulated in the same way as in humans.Here,we comprehensively mapped the cell types and pathways of steroid metabolism in the adrenal gland of Chinese tree shrews using single-cell RNA sequencing,spatial transcriptome analysis,mass spectrometry,and immunohistochemistry.We compared the transcriptomes of various adrenal cell types across tree shrews,humans,macaques,and mice.Results showed that tree shrew adrenal glands expressed many of the same key enzymes for steroid synthesis as humans,including CYP11B2,CYP11B1,CYB5A,and CHGA.Biochemical analysis confirmed the production of aldosterone,cortisol,and dehydroepiandrosterone but not dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the tree shrew adrenal glands.Furthermore,genes in adrenal cell types in tree shrews were correlated with genetic risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome,primary aldosteronism,hypertension,and related disorders in humans based on genome-wide association studies.Overall,this study suggests that the adrenal glands of Chinese tree shrews may consist of closely related cell populations with functional similarity to those of the human adrenal gland.Our comprehensive results(publicly available at http://gxmujyzmolab.cn:16245/scAGMap/)should facilitate the advancement of this animal model for the investigation of adrenal gland disorders.展开更多
Adrenal hematoma is a rare condition with highly variable clinical manifestations, ranging from completely asymptomatic cases to specific signs. Abdominal ultrasound is the key examination for diagnosing and monitorin...Adrenal hematoma is a rare condition with highly variable clinical manifestations, ranging from completely asymptomatic cases to specific signs. Abdominal ultrasound is the key examination for diagnosing and monitoring neonates. We present a case of adrenal hematoma diagnosed following neonatal anemia.展开更多
Introduction: Adrenal tumours (AT) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. For any patient presenting an adrenal mass, there are two crucial points to consider: is the adrenal mass malignant and is it hormonall...Introduction: Adrenal tumours (AT) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. For any patient presenting an adrenal mass, there are two crucial points to consider: is the adrenal mass malignant and is it hormonally active? The objective of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of AT in a developing country. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective study spanning 17 years (from January 2005 to October 2022) in four Dakar hospital services. We included all patient medical records with explored AT. Results: AT was diagnosed in 35 patients who had a mean age of 36.62 years (range: 12-79), and a female predominance (26 women to 9 men). Among these patients, 17.2 % had incidental AT. Hypertension was the commonest presenting symptom in 27 patients (77%), which was associated with Mnards triad in 14 patients (40%). Abdominal pain was reported by 20 patients (57%), and 14 presented with an abdominal mass. Among the patients, 29 had functional AT: 22 with pheochromocytoma, 5 with primary hyperaldosteronism, and 2 with hypercortisolism. Imaging evaluations revealed that 33 patients had unilateral AT and one had bilateral AT. Tumour sizes varied, 5 patients had tumours 10 cm. Two patients presented with metastases. The therapeutic approach involved adrenalectomy in 32 patients. Perioperative complications were observed in five patients, including haemorrhage (two patients), hypotension (two cases), and hypertensive crisis (one case). One patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma developed acute adrenal insufficiency postoperatively, followed by abdominal herniation. Histopathological examination confirmed pheochromocytoma in 21 patients, Conns adenoma in 5, adrenocortical carcinoma in 3, cortisol adenoma in 2, and adrenal cyst in 1 patient. Non-functional AT included adrenocortical carcinoma (three patients), adrenal cyst (one patient), and pheochromocytoma (two patients). After a one-year follow-up, 29 patients with benign tumours had favourable outcomes, while death occurred within six months of diagnosis in five cases. A patient who had bilateral pheochromocytomas, with complications, died before surgery. Conclusion: In our practice, AT are predominantly pheochromocytomas, being typically diagnosed when they become symptomatic large tumours and, due to this large size, laparotomy is the preferred surgical approach. Unfortunately, the prognosis for malignant tumours is poor.展开更多
Objective: To inquire into diagnosis, and treatment of virilizing andfeminizing a-drenal syndrome, differential diagnosis between benign and malignant sex hormoneproducing adrenal neo-plasma and, treatment principles ...Objective: To inquire into diagnosis, and treatment of virilizing andfeminizing a-drenal syndrome, differential diagnosis between benign and malignant sex hormoneproducing adrenal neo-plasma and, treatment principles of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).Methods: Eight cases of CAH and 5 cases of sex hormone producing adrenal neoplasma were admitted tohospital during 1986-1996. The former included 3 rare cases of 17 a hydroxylase deficiency. Thelatter included 3 cases of feminizing adrenal tumor and 2 cases of virilizing adrenal tumor.Results: Weight, size and CT of the tumor, DHEA, 17 -ks, sex hormone levels, infiltration, andmetastasis were closely related to the degree of differentiation of the tumors. Conclusion:Virilizing and feminizing adrenal neoplasm were removed surgically by different incisions. Modifiedsubcostal incision was recommended as the best choice for huge adrenal mass. Corticoadrenal hormonetreatment fa CAH should be individualized according to the different types of the disease. Sexhormones were not suitable for children suffering from 17 hydroxylase deficiency before puberty.展开更多
The occurrence of adrenal crisis after retroperitoneal laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is usually concealed.If not timely diagnosis and treatment,it may cause shock,and even lead to death.It is very difficult to...The occurrence of adrenal crisis after retroperitoneal laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is usually concealed.If not timely diagnosis and treatment,it may cause shock,and even lead to death.It is very difficult to distinguish the clinical manifestations of adrenal crisis from nausea,vomiting,fatigue,gas separation from the lower diaphragm,abdominal pain,hypotension,hypertension,fever and hypothermia after operation.This makes it very difficult to identify and diagnose adrenal crisis early.This article mainly discusses the early recognition,diagnosis and treatment of adrenal crisis after unilateral adrenalectomy by retroperitoneoscope.展开更多
Background Airway symptoms in asthma are related to decrease of epinephrine secretion, which may be ascribed to elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) in the organism. The aim of this study was to monitor the neuroendoc...Background Airway symptoms in asthma are related to decrease of epinephrine secretion, which may be ascribed to elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) in the organism. The aim of this study was to monitor the neuroendocrine alteration in the adrenal medulla of asthmatic rats. Methods Sixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=-8), control group and asthma group, and the asthmatic rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The levels of NGF, epinephrine and norepinephrine in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the NGF expression in adrenal medulla was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the changes in the ultrastructure of the adrenal medulla was observed by electron microscopy. Results The NGF expression was increased in asthmatic rats compared with control rats. Compared with control rats, the results indicated that the epinephrine level was decreased in asthmatic rats, but no significant difference was found in norepinephrine levels. We found more ganglion cells in the adrenal medulla of asthmatic rats than in control rats, with NGF immunostaining mainly located in these ganglion cells. Electron microscopic images showed the density of chromaffin granula decreased and there was shrunken nucleolemma in the adrenal medullary cells of asthmatic rats. Conclusion The innervation of the adrenal medulla is changed in asthmatic rats, and it may contribute to the epinephrine decrease in asthma.展开更多
The coexistence of myelolipoma within adrenal cortical adenoma is extremely rare,for both tumors present usually as separate entities.There are only 16 such cases reported worldwide.To the best of our knowledge,the ca...The coexistence of myelolipoma within adrenal cortical adenoma is extremely rare,for both tumors present usually as separate entities.There are only 16 such cases reported worldwide.To the best of our knowledge,the case we reported here is the first one of myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma associated with myelolipoma reported.A 32-year-old Chinese woman with 4-year history of hypertension was presented in our study.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen showed a large heterogene- ously-enhancing mass(4.5 cm in diameter)in the left suprarenal region.Clinical history and laboratory results suggest a metabolic disorder as Conn's syndrome.The patient underwent a left adrenalectomy,and a histopathological study confirmed the mass to be a myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma containing myelolipoma.The patient was postoperatively well and discharged uneventfully.In the present case report,we also discuss the etiology of simultaneous myelolipoma and adrenal adenoma associated with Conn's syndrome,and the methods of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.展开更多
Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic masses that arise within the adrenal gland and are usually non-functional and asymptomatic. Adrenal pseudocysts consist of a fibrous wall without a cellular lining. We report a pati...Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic masses that arise within the adrenal gland and are usually non-functional and asymptomatic. Adrenal pseudocysts consist of a fibrous wall without a cellular lining. We report a patient with a 9 cm, left-sided suprarenal cystic mass who presented with abdominal discomfort of 2 years' duration. A 38-year-old woman was referred to our service for evaluation of abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms. Routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 9 cm × 8 cm × 8 cm well-defined cystic lesion displacing the left kidney. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with low signal intensity on the Tl-weighted image and high signal intensity on the T2-weighted image. A laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed to diagnose the lesion. The final pathology showed an adrenal pseudocyst without a cellular lining. The patient had no postoperative complications and she was discharged four days after surgery.展开更多
In order to explore the histological structure of zebra and to protect en- dangered species diversity, it is especially important to study the zebra adrenal his- tological structure. 2 zebra adrenals were studied by m...In order to explore the histological structure of zebra and to protect en- dangered species diversity, it is especially important to study the zebra adrenal his- tological structure. 2 zebra adrenals were studied by means of histological methods. The adrenal gland tissues were dissected into serial paraffin sections at the thick- ness of 3 μm. After HE and Masson staining, they were observed and photographed by the light microscope and Image-Pro Plus 6.0. The results show that zebra adrenal capsule is covered with thick connective tissue, which is about 230 μm. A large number of nerves and blood vessels are distributed in the capsule. The area of cortex is about 5 times larger than medullae. Zona glomerulosa is thin, about 300?m. The cells were arranged as column and ball. Zona fasciculata with the thickness of 1 750 μm is 6 times as thick as zona glomerulosa. The cells were ar- ranged in cord. Zona reticular with the thickness of 250 wm was closely adjacent to medulla and formed a jagged boundary. The medulla with the area of 4 mm2 was deeply dyed. It was concluded that some sympathetic ganglion cells were found in the medulla arranged in groups and surrounded with zona reticular cells but lots of the cells were found in zona reticular. Some connective tissue with chromaffin cells was found in the medulla center vein. The purpose of the present study provides reliable evidences for further study on morphology, physiology and pathology of the zebra.展开更多
Intracerebral co-grafting of Schwann's cells and human fetal adrenal medullary tissue was performed in 10 patients with Parkinson's disease. One to six months after grafting, symptoms were improved significant...Intracerebral co-grafting of Schwann's cells and human fetal adrenal medullary tissue was performed in 10 patients with Parkinson's disease. One to six months after grafting, symptoms were improved significantly for 1 to 3 grade. Among them, 2 patients resumed nearly normal daily activities. Long-term follow-up showed that the symptoms were not improved satisfactorily in some patients. It is considered that careful selection of patients, administration of amantadine, and co-grafting of Schwann's cells which prompts the survival of chromaffin cells are essential to better results.展开更多
Cushing’s syndrome is the set of clinical manifestations secondary to a chronic excess of glucocorticoids. Bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with subclinical cortisol secretion is the most common, but its pr...Cushing’s syndrome is the set of clinical manifestations secondary to a chronic excess of glucocorticoids. Bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with subclinical cortisol secretion is the most common, but its prevalence remains unknown. We describe a case of bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. This is a 36-year-old female patient who had been consulting for secondary amenorrhea and developing asthenia for 4 months. The clinical examination noted an overweight patient with high blood pressure, facio-trunk obesity, hirsutism and purple stretch marks in the abdomen and thighs. Biologically, hypokalemia at 2.9 meq/l (3.5 - 5.4), normal calcemia at 90 mg/l (85 - 104), fasting blood sugar was 0.84 g/l (0.7 - 1), the tests for minute, low and high dexamethasone suppression test revealed insufficient suppression of cortisol. The cortisoluria collected from the second day to the third day of the high dexamethasone suppression test was at 186 μg/24 h (<60), the ACTH (Pg/ml) was undetectable (6.4 - 49.8). The diagnosis of an independent adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) Cushing syndrome was made and the adrenal CT scan revealed bilateral macronodular hyperplasia. A bilateral adrenalectomy was performed and a complete remission of Cushing syndrome was achieved. We prescribed to her, hydrocortisone 20 mg/day and alpha-fludrocortisone 25 to 50 μg/day, This medical observation showed that macro-nodular adrenal hyperplasia with overt Cushing syndrome can occur in the third decade of life. Bilateral adrenalectomy has resulted in a complete cure for Cushing’s syndrome, but may be fraught with complications.展开更多
文摘The features of the symptom s,laboratory tests and pathological characteristics of a- drenal cortical and m edullary hyperplasia were studied. In 6 cases of hypercatecholaminenia,plas- ma norepinephrine(NE) ,epinephrine(E) ,catecholam ine(CA) and2 4 - h urinary vanillylmandelic acid(VMA) ,17- hydroxycorticosteroid (OHCS) and 17- ketosteroid (KS) were determ ined.A- drenal glands were exam ined by CT scan and 1 31 I- MIBG imaging.Pathological examination was performed after operation.The results showed that in 6 cases of hypercatecholaminenia(3m en and 3women) aged from 34- 5 0 years,the clinical features were just like“pheochromocytoma”, for example,episodic headache,perspiration,palpitation,pallor,apprehension,nausea,tremor, anxiety and so on. Plasma levels of CA,NE and E were elevated in all 6 cases. 2 4 - h urinary sam - ples obtained atthe onsetrevealed elevated VMA in1case. 2 4 - h urinary cortisol was obviously el- evated in all6 cases. 2 4 - h urinary17- OHCS,17- KS was norm al.B- type ultrasound,CT,MRI and1 31 I- MIBG revealed9lateral adrenal gland diffuse or nodular enlargem entin6 cases.Patholog- ic exam ination showed adrenal cortical and medullary hyperplasia.Clinically,adrenal cortical and m edullary hyperplasia resembled“pheochromocytom a”. The m ost significant feature of this dis- ease was both elevated plasma CA and 2 4 - h urinary cortisol obviously. Pathologic exam ination showed adrenal cortex nodular hyperplasia and medullar diffuse or lim it hyperplasia. Whether it is an independent disease or symptoms of the other disease has not final conclusion up till now
文摘In order to study the aging changes of intramito-chondrial RNA synthesis of mouse adrenal cells, 10 groups of developing and aging mice, each consisting of 3 individuals, total 30, from fetal day 19 to postna-tal newborn at day 1, 3, 9, 14, adult at month 1, 2, 6 and senescent animals at month 12 (year 1) and 24 (year 2) were injected with 3H-uridine, an RNA pre-cursor, sacrificed 1 hr later and the adrenal tissues were fixed and processed for electron microscopic radioautography. On electron microscopic radio-autograms obtained from each animal, the number of mitochondria per cell, the number of labeled mito-chondria with 3H-uridine showing RNA synthesis per cell and the mitochondrial labeling index in each adreno-cortical cells, in 3 zones, as well as in each adreno-medullary cells, 2 types of cells in the medulla, the adrenalin cells and the noradrenalin cells, were calculated and the results in respective aging groups were compared with each others. The results demon-strated that the number of mitochondria in adreno-cortical cells in 3 zones, the zona glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis of respective mice at vari-ous ages increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 1 reaching the plateau from month 1 to 24 due to development and aging of animals, respectively, while the number of labeled mitochondria per cell and the labeling index of intramitochondrial RNA synthesis incorporating 3H-uridine increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 2, reaching the maxima and decreased slightly from month 6 to month 24. On the other hand, the number of mito-chondria per cell in the medulla increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 1 reaching the plateau from month 1 to 24, while the number of labeled mi-tochondria per cell and the labeling index of in-tramitochondrial RNA synthesis increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal day 14, reaching the maxima and decreased from month 1 to 24. From the results, it was demonstrated that the activity of intramitochno-drial RNA synthesis in both the cortical and me-dullary cells in developing and aging mice adrenals changed due to aging of individual animals.
文摘Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a group of autosomal recessive disorders resulting from deficiency of enzymes essential for the synthesis of cortisol.Disease of the adrenal cortex,but there may be involvement adrenomedullary.Cortisol and epinephrine are directly related to the individual’s stress response.Lower values of epinephrine in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia could be related to increased clinical complications and hospitalizations rate.We evaluated the serum values of metanephrines and normetanephrines in children and adolescents with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and primary hypothyroidism and possible correlations with disease and hospitalizations.Cross-sectional study involved 29 patients(10 simple virilizing and 19 salt-wasting),and control group of 28 patients with primary hypothyroidism(10 overt and 18 subclinical).There were no differences in age(p=0.24)and metanephrine(p=0.34)or normetanephrine values(p=0.85)between groups.Hospitalization rate was higher in the cases than in the controls(51 x 12).We conclude the serum values of metanephrine and normetanephrine in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia were within the normal values of reference,with no significant difference of group with primary hypothiroidism.The number of hospitalizations in the case was high in relation to the control,mainly in salt-wasting.
文摘Rationale:Adrenal histoplasmosis can present as bilateral adrenal enlargement with constitutional symptoms and/or adrenal insufficiency.Often these patients are initially investigated as secondary adrenal metastases before eventually their diagnosis established by histopathological examination of the adrenal tissues.Patients concerns:We report 4 cases of patients aged 55-78 who presented with hypocortisolism and bilateral adrenal masses.Diagnoses:Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis.Interventions:Three patients received antifungal treatment for at least one year while 1 patient passed away before the initiation of antifungal treatment.Outcomes:Two patients’adrenal function recovered not requiring any steroid replacement,while 1 patient still requires long-term steroid replacement.Lessons:Adrenal histoplasmosis should be excluded in patients from endemic areas presenting with bilateral adrenal masses and adrenal insufficiency.Usually patients have an exposure to bird droppings,bat guano or soil contaminated with histoplasmosis fungi.Histopathological examination of biopsied adrenal tissues is still the gold standard investigation as serology and molecular diagnostic methods are still not widely available in most centers in Malaysia.
文摘Background: Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal cortex that leads to inadequate production of cortisol initially followed by aldosterone and androgens. Its manifestations are usually slow and non-specific with potential for life-threatening adrenal crisis following hypermetabolic demands (infection, trauma, surgery). Patients: Over the past 10 years, 19 CRD-patients were diagnosed with occult PAI in our center. Results: Unprovoked hypotension was the most common manifestations of occult PAI and was the unmasking event in 11 (58%). It was without significant cardiac and/or severe systemic sepsis and was refractory to isotonic saline infusions. Equal number of the remaining patients (n = 2) presented with persistent and inexplicable electrolytes abnormalities viz. 1) hyponatremia despite restricted oral fluid intake, lack of dehydration and massive fluid overload, as well as 2) hyperkalemia despite potassium-restricted diet, hyperkalemic drugs and adequate therapy with Furosemide and low-potassium dialysis-baths. On the other hand, similar proportions presented with unprovoked 3) progressive weight loss, decrease appetite and cachexia as well as 4) frequent hypoglycemic attacks. All patients were treated and were medically stable after 29 (2 - 60) months of follow up. Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase enzyme were positive in 16 (90%). At diagnosis, and subsequent follow up, only 7 patients (37%) had multi-endocrine dysfunction of whom 2 with type 1 and 5 with type 2. Conclusion: High index of suspicion should be exerted in diagnosis of PAI in patients with CRD, since its clinical picture is similar to CRD manifestations and complications. In those patients, confirmatory tests and specific management can save their lives. .
文摘BACKGROUND Addison’s disease(AD)is a rare but potentially fatal disease in Western countries,which can easily be misdiagnosed at an early stage.Severe adrenal tuberculosis(TB)may lead to depression in patients.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenal TB with TB in the lungs and skin in a 48-year-old woman.The patient was misdiagnosed with depression because of her depressed mood.She had hyperpigmentation of the skin,nails,mouth,and lips.The final diagnosis was adrenal TB that resulted in the insufficient secretion of adrenocortical hormone.Adrenocortical hormone test,skin biopsy,T cell spot test of TB,and adrenal computed tomography scan were used to confirm the diagnosis.The patient’s condition improved after hormone replacement therapy and TB treatment.CONCLUSION Given the current status of TB in high-burden countries,outpatient doctors should be aware of and pay attention to TB and understand the early symptoms of AD.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological,demographic,clinical features,treatment approaches,and survival of patients followed up for adrenal incidentaloma.Methods:Data from 46 patients who were treated and followed up due to adrenal incidentaloma in the Endocrinology Department of Mersin University Health Research and Application Hospital between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Of the cases included in the study,13 were male,33 were female,and the mean age was 54.09±10.7 years.The most common reason for admission was abdominal pain in 34.78%of the patients,the most commonly diagnosed radiological method was dynamic adrenal CT in 60.87%,and the most common location was the left adrenal gland.The mean lesion diameter was between 26.8±16.5 mm.The frequency of hypertension was 50%,obesity 47.8%,type 2 diabetes 21.7%,osteoporosis 42.8%,and metabolic syndrome 41.3%.According to hormonal evaluation results,non-functional adrenal adenoma(NFAA)was found in 82.61%,subclinical Cushing’s syndrome(SCS)in 15.21%,and aldosteronoma in 2.1%.Myelolipoma,pheochromocytoma,and adrenocortical adenoma were diagnosed in 8 cases undergoing adrenalectomy.One patient died due to liver failure.No hormonal activation or growth in lesion size was detected during the follow-up of the patients.Conclusion:Due to the very different pathological and radiological appearances of adrenal incidentaloma,it is important to evaluate demographic,etiological,clinical,laboratory,and radiological data as a whole in the treatment and follow-up.
文摘AIM: To report the clinical impact of adrenal endoscop-ic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the evaluation of patients with adrenal gland enlargement or mass.METHODS: In a retrospective single-center case-series, patients undergoing EUS-FNA of either adrenal gland from 1997-2011 in our tertiary care center were included. Medical records were reviewed and results of EUS, cytology, adrenal size change on follow-up imag-ing ≥ 6 mo after EUS and any repeat EUS or surgery were abstracted. A lesion was considered benign if: (1) EUS-FNA cytology was benign and the lesion remained 〈 1 cm from its original size on follow-up computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging or repeat EUS ≥ 6 mo after EUS-FNA; or (2) subsequent adrenalectomy and surgical pathology was benign. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients had left (n = 90) and/or right (n = 5) adrenal EUS-FNA without adverse events. EUS indications included: cancer staging or suspected recurrence (n = 31), pancreatic (n = 20), medi-astinal (n = 10), adrenal (n = 7), lung (n = 7) mass or other indication (n = 19). Diagnoses after adrenal EUS-FNA included metastatic lung (n = 10), esophageal (n= 5), colon (n = 2), or other cancer (n = 8); benign primary adrenal mass or benign tissue (n = 60); or was non-diagnostic (n = 9). Available follow-up confrmed a benign lesion in 5/9 non-diagnostic aspirates and 32/60 benign aspirates. Four of the 60 benign aspirates were later confrmed as malignant by repeat biopsy, follow-up CT, or adrenalectomy. Adrenal EUS-FNA diagnosed metastatic cancer in 24, and ruled out metastasis in 10 patients. For the diagnosis of malignancy, EUS-FNA of either adrenal had sensitivity, specifcity, positive predic-tive value and negative predictive value of 86%, 97%, 96% and 89%, respectively.CONCLUSION: Adrenal gland EUS-FNA is safe, mini-mally invasive and a sensitive technique with signifcant impact in the management of adrenal gland mass or enlargement.
文摘Dear Editor,Adrenocortical carcinomas and adrenal cysts,including pseudocysts,are uncommon tumors[1,2].No consistent approach to surgery for large adrenal tumors including cysts,has been established,and especially when malignancy is suspected,consideration is still given to the option of laparotomy.Using robot-assisted surgery,we successfully performed the resection of a giant adrenal pseudocyst and a giant adrenocortical carcinoma,as reported previously[3],underlining the advantages of robot-assisted surgery for large adrenal tumors.
基金supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Guangxi(2021AB13014)Major Project of Guangxi Innovation Driven(AA18118016)+7 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC0908000)Natural Key Research and Development Project(2020YFA0113200)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81770759,82060145,31970814)Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region(2021JJA140912)Advanced Innovation Teams and Xinghu Scholars Program of Guangxi Medical University,Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine(19-050-22,19-185-33,20-065-33,22-35-17)Major Project of Scientific Research and Technology Development Plan of Nanning(20221023)Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(2022GXNSFAA035641)Self-funded Project of Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region(Z-A20230620)。
文摘The Chinese tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri chinensis)has emerged as a promising model for investigating adrenal steroid synthesis,but it is unclear whether the same cells produce steroid hormones and whether their production is regulated in the same way as in humans.Here,we comprehensively mapped the cell types and pathways of steroid metabolism in the adrenal gland of Chinese tree shrews using single-cell RNA sequencing,spatial transcriptome analysis,mass spectrometry,and immunohistochemistry.We compared the transcriptomes of various adrenal cell types across tree shrews,humans,macaques,and mice.Results showed that tree shrew adrenal glands expressed many of the same key enzymes for steroid synthesis as humans,including CYP11B2,CYP11B1,CYB5A,and CHGA.Biochemical analysis confirmed the production of aldosterone,cortisol,and dehydroepiandrosterone but not dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the tree shrew adrenal glands.Furthermore,genes in adrenal cell types in tree shrews were correlated with genetic risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome,primary aldosteronism,hypertension,and related disorders in humans based on genome-wide association studies.Overall,this study suggests that the adrenal glands of Chinese tree shrews may consist of closely related cell populations with functional similarity to those of the human adrenal gland.Our comprehensive results(publicly available at http://gxmujyzmolab.cn:16245/scAGMap/)should facilitate the advancement of this animal model for the investigation of adrenal gland disorders.
文摘Adrenal hematoma is a rare condition with highly variable clinical manifestations, ranging from completely asymptomatic cases to specific signs. Abdominal ultrasound is the key examination for diagnosing and monitoring neonates. We present a case of adrenal hematoma diagnosed following neonatal anemia.
文摘Introduction: Adrenal tumours (AT) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. For any patient presenting an adrenal mass, there are two crucial points to consider: is the adrenal mass malignant and is it hormonally active? The objective of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of AT in a developing country. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective study spanning 17 years (from January 2005 to October 2022) in four Dakar hospital services. We included all patient medical records with explored AT. Results: AT was diagnosed in 35 patients who had a mean age of 36.62 years (range: 12-79), and a female predominance (26 women to 9 men). Among these patients, 17.2 % had incidental AT. Hypertension was the commonest presenting symptom in 27 patients (77%), which was associated with Mnards triad in 14 patients (40%). Abdominal pain was reported by 20 patients (57%), and 14 presented with an abdominal mass. Among the patients, 29 had functional AT: 22 with pheochromocytoma, 5 with primary hyperaldosteronism, and 2 with hypercortisolism. Imaging evaluations revealed that 33 patients had unilateral AT and one had bilateral AT. Tumour sizes varied, 5 patients had tumours 10 cm. Two patients presented with metastases. The therapeutic approach involved adrenalectomy in 32 patients. Perioperative complications were observed in five patients, including haemorrhage (two patients), hypotension (two cases), and hypertensive crisis (one case). One patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma developed acute adrenal insufficiency postoperatively, followed by abdominal herniation. Histopathological examination confirmed pheochromocytoma in 21 patients, Conns adenoma in 5, adrenocortical carcinoma in 3, cortisol adenoma in 2, and adrenal cyst in 1 patient. Non-functional AT included adrenocortical carcinoma (three patients), adrenal cyst (one patient), and pheochromocytoma (two patients). After a one-year follow-up, 29 patients with benign tumours had favourable outcomes, while death occurred within six months of diagnosis in five cases. A patient who had bilateral pheochromocytomas, with complications, died before surgery. Conclusion: In our practice, AT are predominantly pheochromocytomas, being typically diagnosed when they become symptomatic large tumours and, due to this large size, laparotomy is the preferred surgical approach. Unfortunately, the prognosis for malignant tumours is poor.
文摘Objective: To inquire into diagnosis, and treatment of virilizing andfeminizing a-drenal syndrome, differential diagnosis between benign and malignant sex hormoneproducing adrenal neo-plasma and, treatment principles of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).Methods: Eight cases of CAH and 5 cases of sex hormone producing adrenal neoplasma were admitted tohospital during 1986-1996. The former included 3 rare cases of 17 a hydroxylase deficiency. Thelatter included 3 cases of feminizing adrenal tumor and 2 cases of virilizing adrenal tumor.Results: Weight, size and CT of the tumor, DHEA, 17 -ks, sex hormone levels, infiltration, andmetastasis were closely related to the degree of differentiation of the tumors. Conclusion:Virilizing and feminizing adrenal neoplasm were removed surgically by different incisions. Modifiedsubcostal incision was recommended as the best choice for huge adrenal mass. Corticoadrenal hormonetreatment fa CAH should be individualized according to the different types of the disease. Sexhormones were not suitable for children suffering from 17 hydroxylase deficiency before puberty.
文摘The occurrence of adrenal crisis after retroperitoneal laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is usually concealed.If not timely diagnosis and treatment,it may cause shock,and even lead to death.It is very difficult to distinguish the clinical manifestations of adrenal crisis from nausea,vomiting,fatigue,gas separation from the lower diaphragm,abdominal pain,hypotension,hypertension,fever and hypothermia after operation.This makes it very difficult to identify and diagnose adrenal crisis early.This article mainly discusses the early recognition,diagnosis and treatment of adrenal crisis after unilateral adrenalectomy by retroperitoneoscope.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30570802, No. 30800502 and No. 30801505).
文摘Background Airway symptoms in asthma are related to decrease of epinephrine secretion, which may be ascribed to elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) in the organism. The aim of this study was to monitor the neuroendocrine alteration in the adrenal medulla of asthmatic rats. Methods Sixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=-8), control group and asthma group, and the asthmatic rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The levels of NGF, epinephrine and norepinephrine in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the NGF expression in adrenal medulla was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the changes in the ultrastructure of the adrenal medulla was observed by electron microscopy. Results The NGF expression was increased in asthmatic rats compared with control rats. Compared with control rats, the results indicated that the epinephrine level was decreased in asthmatic rats, but no significant difference was found in norepinephrine levels. We found more ganglion cells in the adrenal medulla of asthmatic rats than in control rats, with NGF immunostaining mainly located in these ganglion cells. Electron microscopic images showed the density of chromaffin granula decreased and there was shrunken nucleolemma in the adrenal medullary cells of asthmatic rats. Conclusion The innervation of the adrenal medulla is changed in asthmatic rats, and it may contribute to the epinephrine decrease in asthma.
文摘The coexistence of myelolipoma within adrenal cortical adenoma is extremely rare,for both tumors present usually as separate entities.There are only 16 such cases reported worldwide.To the best of our knowledge,the case we reported here is the first one of myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma associated with myelolipoma reported.A 32-year-old Chinese woman with 4-year history of hypertension was presented in our study.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen showed a large heterogene- ously-enhancing mass(4.5 cm in diameter)in the left suprarenal region.Clinical history and laboratory results suggest a metabolic disorder as Conn's syndrome.The patient underwent a left adrenalectomy,and a histopathological study confirmed the mass to be a myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma containing myelolipoma.The patient was postoperatively well and discharged uneventfully.In the present case report,we also discuss the etiology of simultaneous myelolipoma and adrenal adenoma associated with Conn's syndrome,and the methods of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
文摘Adrenal pseudocysts are rare cystic masses that arise within the adrenal gland and are usually non-functional and asymptomatic. Adrenal pseudocysts consist of a fibrous wall without a cellular lining. We report a patient with a 9 cm, left-sided suprarenal cystic mass who presented with abdominal discomfort of 2 years' duration. A 38-year-old woman was referred to our service for evaluation of abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms. Routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 9 cm × 8 cm × 8 cm well-defined cystic lesion displacing the left kidney. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with low signal intensity on the Tl-weighted image and high signal intensity on the T2-weighted image. A laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed to diagnose the lesion. The final pathology showed an adrenal pseudocyst without a cellular lining. The patient had no postoperative complications and she was discharged four days after surgery.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation Project of China(No.3047124931272517)~~
文摘In order to explore the histological structure of zebra and to protect en- dangered species diversity, it is especially important to study the zebra adrenal his- tological structure. 2 zebra adrenals were studied by means of histological methods. The adrenal gland tissues were dissected into serial paraffin sections at the thick- ness of 3 μm. After HE and Masson staining, they were observed and photographed by the light microscope and Image-Pro Plus 6.0. The results show that zebra adrenal capsule is covered with thick connective tissue, which is about 230 μm. A large number of nerves and blood vessels are distributed in the capsule. The area of cortex is about 5 times larger than medullae. Zona glomerulosa is thin, about 300?m. The cells were arranged as column and ball. Zona fasciculata with the thickness of 1 750 μm is 6 times as thick as zona glomerulosa. The cells were ar- ranged in cord. Zona reticular with the thickness of 250 wm was closely adjacent to medulla and formed a jagged boundary. The medulla with the area of 4 mm2 was deeply dyed. It was concluded that some sympathetic ganglion cells were found in the medulla arranged in groups and surrounded with zona reticular cells but lots of the cells were found in zona reticular. Some connective tissue with chromaffin cells was found in the medulla center vein. The purpose of the present study provides reliable evidences for further study on morphology, physiology and pathology of the zebra.
文摘Intracerebral co-grafting of Schwann's cells and human fetal adrenal medullary tissue was performed in 10 patients with Parkinson's disease. One to six months after grafting, symptoms were improved significantly for 1 to 3 grade. Among them, 2 patients resumed nearly normal daily activities. Long-term follow-up showed that the symptoms were not improved satisfactorily in some patients. It is considered that careful selection of patients, administration of amantadine, and co-grafting of Schwann's cells which prompts the survival of chromaffin cells are essential to better results.
文摘Cushing’s syndrome is the set of clinical manifestations secondary to a chronic excess of glucocorticoids. Bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with subclinical cortisol secretion is the most common, but its prevalence remains unknown. We describe a case of bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. This is a 36-year-old female patient who had been consulting for secondary amenorrhea and developing asthenia for 4 months. The clinical examination noted an overweight patient with high blood pressure, facio-trunk obesity, hirsutism and purple stretch marks in the abdomen and thighs. Biologically, hypokalemia at 2.9 meq/l (3.5 - 5.4), normal calcemia at 90 mg/l (85 - 104), fasting blood sugar was 0.84 g/l (0.7 - 1), the tests for minute, low and high dexamethasone suppression test revealed insufficient suppression of cortisol. The cortisoluria collected from the second day to the third day of the high dexamethasone suppression test was at 186 μg/24 h (<60), the ACTH (Pg/ml) was undetectable (6.4 - 49.8). The diagnosis of an independent adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) Cushing syndrome was made and the adrenal CT scan revealed bilateral macronodular hyperplasia. A bilateral adrenalectomy was performed and a complete remission of Cushing syndrome was achieved. We prescribed to her, hydrocortisone 20 mg/day and alpha-fludrocortisone 25 to 50 μg/day, This medical observation showed that macro-nodular adrenal hyperplasia with overt Cushing syndrome can occur in the third decade of life. Bilateral adrenalectomy has resulted in a complete cure for Cushing’s syndrome, but may be fraught with complications.