Alternative Names & Classifications:
Nelson's Syndrome (CLINICAL)
Description
Nelson's syndrome is a rare complication that occurs in patients who have had a bilateral adrenalectomy to treat severe Cushing's disease. Removing the adrenal glands cures the hypercortisolism, but it also completely removes the negative feedback cortisol provides to the pituitary. Without this brake, a pre-existing, ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenoma can suddenly grow aggressively and secrete massive amounts of hormones.