adrenalitis

Etiology

• autoimmune
• infection
  • viral (CMV, HIV)
  • 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

More general terms

• adrenal gland disease

Patient information

autoimmune adrenalitis patient information