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FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF IDIOPATHIC ADRENAL CALCIFICATION IN THE ADULT
Author(s) -
HOELDTKE R. D.,
DONALD R. A.,
NICHOLLS M. G.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1980.tb02717.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , mineralocorticoid , calcification , adrenal insufficiency , glucocorticoid , corticosteroid , adrenal function , epinephrine , hydrocortisone , adrenal disorder , insulin , insulin resistance , glucose homeostasis
Two young adults with idiopathic adrenal calcification are described. In one patient the calcification was probably secondary to adrenal haemorrhage in the neonatal period. Neither patient exhibited clinical features suggestive of adrenal cortical insufficiency, and baseline serum cortisol levels were normal. The corticosteroid responses to ACTH administration and to other provocative tests indicated that both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid reserve was normal. One patient showed an appropriate epinephrine response to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia. We conclude that even extensive adrenal calcification may be compatible with completely normal adrenal function. Since, however, little is known of the natural history of this condition, lifelong follow‐up of such patients is advised.