Retroperitoneum - Part 2 Flashcards
Where does the right adrenal gland lay compared to the IVC? (2)
- Posterior
2. Lateral
Where does the left adrenal gland lay compared to the aorta?
Lateral
Where does the left adrenal gland lay compared to the splenic artery and tail of the pancreas?
Posterior-medial
What is the size of the adrenal glands in an adult? (L, W, H)
- 3-5cm in length
- 2-3cm in width
- 1cm in height
What arteries supply the adrenal gland? (3)
- Superior suprarenal arteries
- Middle suprarenal arteries
- Inferior suprarenal arteries
What does the superior suprarenal artery arise from?
The inferior phrenic artery
Where does the middle suprarenal artery arise from?
The lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta
Where does the inferior suprarenal artery arise from?
The renal artery
Where does the right suprarenal vein drain into?
IVC
Where does the left suprarenal vein drain into?
Left renal vein
What is the normal US appearance of the adrenal glands? (4)
- Solid
- Hypo echoic
- Crescent-shaped structures surrounded by echogenic fat
- Harder to see in adults
What is the normal US appearance of the adrenal glands in a neonate/child? (3)
- It is very prominent
- Hypo echoic cortex
- Hyper echoic medulla
What are indications for an adrenal gland exam? (7)
- Hypertension
- Abdominal distention
- Severe anxiety
- Sweating
- Tachycardia
- Weight loss
- Diabetes mellitus
ACTH
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
What is the normal range of ACTH?
10-80pg/mL
What does ACTH do?
Regulates cortisol production
Where is ACTH produced?
In the pituitary gland
What is elevation of ACTH associated with? (3)
- Adrenal tumour
- Cushing disease
- Lung tumour
What is the normal range of recumbent aldosterone?
3-10ng/dL
What is the normal range of erect aldosterone?
5-30ng/dL
Where is aldosterone secreted by?
The cortex
What does aldosterone regulate?
Sodium and water levels
- which affects blood volume and pressure
What is elevation of aldosterone associated with?
Hyperaldosteronism
What is a decrease of aldosterone associated with? (2)
- Hypoaldosteronism
2. Addison disease
What is the normal serum range for potassium?
3.5-5.0mEq/L
What is potassium essential for?
Normal function of every organ system
What does potassium maintain?
Necessary concentration of nutrients inside and outside of the cell
What is an elevation of potassium associated with?
Addison disease
What is a decrease of potassium associated with? (2)
- Cushing disease
2. Hyperaldosteronism
What is the normal range of sodium?
135-145mEq/L
What is sodium a major component in?
Determining blood volume
What is a decrease of sodium associated with?
Addison disease
