adrenal anatomy Flashcards
Where are the adrenal glands?
retroperitoneum
blood supply to the adrenals?
Sup adrenal a. (from inferior phrenic)
Middle adrenal a. (from aorta)
Inf. adrenal a. (from renal a.)
What other organ does the R adrenal touch, majority? L?
R- liver
L-stomach
what cancer most commonly spreads to the adrenals?
Lung!!
What imaging modality is most commonly used for the adrenals?
CT then MRI (useful for pheos and paragangliomas)
What is the most common cause of calcifications in adrenals? what else is it associated with?
hemorrhage
associated w/ malignant cancer
What is a pheochromocytoma
tumor of chromaffin cells in medulla of adrenal
leads to release of epi and norepi
AKA 10% tumor
Where can a pheochromocytoma spread to?
organ of zuckerkandl
small chemoreceptor masses of chromaffin cells near sympathetic ganglion along abd aorta from IMA to bifurcation of iliacs
What imaging study can you use to see pheochromocytoma?
MIBG Scintigraphy
soaks up contrast (not dark like thyroid testing)
What is an adrenal carcinoma?
found in children and adults 40-50s
Men= malignant
release any of the cortex hormones
What are the characteristics of an adrenal carcinoma?
> 4 cm, irregular edges, unilateral mass
contrast washes out slowly
what imaging do you use for an adrenal carcinoma?
CT or MRI
What type of spread are we worried about with adrenal cancer?
hematogenous
cushings dz is primary, secondary/tertiary?
secondary/tertiary
cushings syndrome is primary or secondary/tertiary
primary
