Adrenal dictionary

Adrenalectomy

• Removal of the adrenal gland by surgery. This is increasingly being performed laproscopically where possible.

Aldosterone

• A hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response numerous factors, including. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to conserve sodium and water. In Addison`s disease aldosterone levels are reduced, whilst in Conn`s syndrome, levels are increased.

Autoimmune

• This is a failure of the body to recognise particular cells as its own resulting in the malfunctioning of these cells, e.g. Addison`s disease due to adrenal anti-bodies.

Conn`s syndrome

• A disorder in which there is excess aldosterone. This may be because of an adrenal lesion (adenoma) releasing excess aldosterone or a condition know as hyperplasia in which both adrenal glands over produce this hormone. In contrast to the former, there is no distinct lesion in the latter that is amenable to surgery.

Laproscopic surgery

• A technique for operating through small incisions using telescopes and instruments. This avoids larger incisions that may be associated with an increased risk of certain complications of surgery. Laprocopic is not always possible and depends on local skills, the size of the lesion being removed and whether it is benign or malignant.

Phaeochromocytoma

• A disorder in which there is an excess of catecholamine, usually the hormones adrenaline or noradrenaline. In 90% of cases this is caused by a discrete benign tumour in an adrenal gland that is surgically treatable.

Renin

• Is produced by specialised cells in the kidney in response to decreased pressures. By acting through the angiotensin system, it enhances the secretion of aldosterone.