The Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Cortical Insuffiiciency

摘要

The diagnosis and treatment of Addison's disease, adrenal cortical insufficiency, are discussed in this bulletin. A brief history of knowledge of the disease is given. Anatomy and physiology, as well as hormones of the adrenal cortex are discussed in detail. Several preparations of adrenal cortical hormone are listed with brief descriptions. Acute adrenal insufficiency occurring in patients with latent insufficiency and in patients following removal of adrenal tissue is discussed. Chronic adrenal insufficiency secondary to anterior pituitary insufficiency and chronic primary cortical insufficiency are considered. Discussion of the incidence and etiology, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings suggestive of diagnosis, specific diagnostic tests, treatment, complications and their management, and the prognosis for patients with the disease is the major part of this paper. A list of 14 pertinent readings is included.