Nelson's syndrome: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

No edit summary
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Nelson's syndrome
| synonyms        = Post-adrenalectomy syndrome
| field          = [[Endocrinology]]
| symptoms        = [[Hyperpigmentation]], [[headache]], [[visual field defect]]
| complications  = [[Pituitary adenoma]], [[adrenal insufficiency]]
| onset          = After [[bilateral adrenalectomy]]
| duration        = Chronic
| causes          = [[Adrenocorticotropic hormone]] (ACTH) overproduction
| risks          = [[Cushing's disease]], [[bilateral adrenalectomy]]
| diagnosis      = [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), [[blood test]] for ACTH levels
| differential    = [[Cushing's disease]], [[pituitary tumor]]
| treatment      = [[Radiotherapy]], [[surgery]], [[medication]]
| medication      = [[Cabergoline]], [[ketoconazole]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
'''Nelson's syndrome''' is a rare disorder that occurs in some patients who have undergone surgical removal of both adrenal glands (bilateral adrenalectomy) as a treatment for [[Cushing's disease]]. This condition is characterized by the rapid growth of an existing [[pituitary adenoma]] and an increase in the production of [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]] (ACTH).
'''Nelson's syndrome''' is a rare disorder that occurs in some patients who have undergone surgical removal of both adrenal glands (bilateral adrenalectomy) as a treatment for [[Cushing's disease]]. This condition is characterized by the rapid growth of an existing [[pituitary adenoma]] and an increase in the production of [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]] (ACTH).
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
Nelson's syndrome develops due to the loss of negative feedback from the adrenal glands on the pituitary gland after bilateral adrenalectomy. The absence of adrenal hormones leads to an increase in the secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland. This can cause the pituitary adenoma to grow and produce excessive amounts of ACTH, which can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin and other symptoms.
Nelson's syndrome develops due to the loss of negative feedback from the adrenal glands on the pituitary gland after bilateral adrenalectomy. The absence of adrenal hormones leads to an increase in the secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland. This can cause the pituitary adenoma to grow and produce excessive amounts of ACTH, which can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin and other symptoms.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of Nelson's syndrome can vary but often include:
The symptoms of Nelson's syndrome can vary but often include:
Line 10: Line 26:
* Headaches
* Headaches
* Symptoms of [[pituitary insufficiency]] due to the mass effect of the tumor
* Symptoms of [[pituitary insufficiency]] due to the mass effect of the tumor
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of Nelson's syndrome typically involves:
Diagnosis of Nelson's syndrome typically involves:
Line 16: Line 31:
* Measurement of plasma ACTH levels
* Measurement of plasma ACTH levels
* Imaging studies such as [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) to assess the size and growth of the pituitary tumor
* Imaging studies such as [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) to assess the size and growth of the pituitary tumor
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment options for Nelson's syndrome may include:
Treatment options for Nelson's syndrome may include:
Line 22: Line 36:
* Surgical removal of the pituitary tumor ([[transsphenoidal surgery]])
* Surgical removal of the pituitary tumor ([[transsphenoidal surgery]])
* Medical therapy to manage hormone levels and symptoms
* Medical therapy to manage hormone levels and symptoms
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for patients with Nelson's syndrome varies depending on the size and growth rate of the pituitary tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to manage the condition effectively.
The prognosis for patients with Nelson's syndrome varies depending on the size and growth rate of the pituitary tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to manage the condition effectively.
== Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Cushing's disease]]
* [[Cushing's disease]]
Line 34: Line 46:
* [[Transsphenoidal surgery]]
* [[Transsphenoidal surgery]]
* [[Radiation therapy]]
* [[Radiation therapy]]
<br>
<br>
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]]
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
{{Endocrine-disease-stub}}
{{Endocrine-disease-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:05, 4 April 2025


Nelson's syndrome
Synonyms Post-adrenalectomy syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Hyperpigmentation, headache, visual field defect
Complications Pituitary adenoma, adrenal insufficiency
Onset After bilateral adrenalectomy
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) overproduction
Risks Cushing's disease, bilateral adrenalectomy
Diagnosis Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood test for ACTH levels
Differential diagnosis Cushing's disease, pituitary tumor
Prevention N/A
Treatment Radiotherapy, surgery, medication
Medication Cabergoline, ketoconazole
Prognosis Variable, depends on treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Nelson's syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs in some patients who have undergone surgical removal of both adrenal glands (bilateral adrenalectomy) as a treatment for Cushing's disease. This condition is characterized by the rapid growth of an existing pituitary adenoma and an increase in the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Pathophysiology[edit]

Nelson's syndrome develops due to the loss of negative feedback from the adrenal glands on the pituitary gland after bilateral adrenalectomy. The absence of adrenal hormones leads to an increase in the secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland. This can cause the pituitary adenoma to grow and produce excessive amounts of ACTH, which can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin and other symptoms.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of Nelson's syndrome can vary but often include:

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Nelson's syndrome typically involves:

  • Clinical evaluation of symptoms
  • Measurement of plasma ACTH levels
  • Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the size and growth of the pituitary tumor

Treatment[edit]

Treatment options for Nelson's syndrome may include:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for patients with Nelson's syndrome varies depending on the size and growth rate of the pituitary tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to manage the condition effectively.

Related Pages[edit]


Stub icon
   This article is a  stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!