
Adrenal crisis; Addisonian crisis; Acute adrenal insufficiency
Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
The two adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They consist of the outer portion, called the cortex, and the inner portion, called the medulla. The cortex produces three types of hormones, all of which are called corticosteroids.
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid -- a corticosteroid that:
Cortisol production is regulated by a small gland just below the brain called the pituitary gland. Cortisol is essential for life.
Adrenal crisis occurs when:
Risk factors for adrenal crisis include:
Stewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg H, Melmed S, Polonsky K, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 14.