Adrenal diseases during pregnancy: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management strategies

Am J Med Sci. 2014 Jan;347(1):64-73. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e31828aaeee.

Abstract

: Adrenal diseases--including disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia--are relatively rare in pregnancy, but a timely diagnosis and proper treatment are critical because these disorders can cause maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Making the diagnosis of adrenal disorders in pregnancy is challenging as symptoms associated with pregnancy are also seen in adrenal diseases. In addition, pregnancy is marked by several endocrine changes, including activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The aim of this article was to review the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and management of various adrenal disorders during pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Addison Disease / diagnosis
  • Addison Disease / physiopathology
  • Addison Disease / therapy
  • Adrenal Gland Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Adrenal Gland Diseases / therapy
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / therapy
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Cushing Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Cushing Syndrome / therapy
  • Disease Management*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / physiopathology
  • Pheochromocytoma / therapy
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology