Nelson's

Nelson's Syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs in some patients who have had their adrenal glands removed to treat Cushing's syndrome. The disorder is characterized by the enlargement of the pituitary gland (pituitary hyperplasia) and the development of adenomas (benign tumors) in the pituitary. This results in an overproduction of the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which causes skin pigmentation changes.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Nelson's syndrome is skin pigmentation changes. Other symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, and pituitary adenomas. These symptoms are caused by the overproduction of ACTH.

Causes

Nelson's syndrome is caused by the removal of the adrenal glands, which is a treatment for Cushing's syndrome. The removal of the adrenal glands causes the pituitary gland to enlarge and produce more ACTH.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Nelson's syndrome is based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The laboratory tests measure the levels of ACTH in the blood. Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, may also be used to detect the presence of pituitary adenomas.

Treatment

The treatment for Nelson's syndrome depends on the size and location of the pituitary adenomas. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and medication.

See also

• Cushing's syndrome
• Adrenal gland
• Pituitary gland
• Adrenocorticotropin

Nelson's Resources
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