Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Introduction

Hemorrhagic destruction of both adrenal glands due to sepsis.

Etiology

• sepsis due to Neisseria meningitidis (most common)

Epidemiology

• most frequent in children

Notes

• see adrenal hemorrhage &/or adrenal insufficiency

More general terms

• adrenal insufficiency
• adrenal hemorrhage
• meningiococcemia (purpura fulminans)
• syndrome