Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Recent Updates and New Directions for Diagnosis and Management

Endocr Pract. 2022 Jan;28(1):110-117. doi: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.09.011. Epub 2021 Oct 2.

Abstract

Secondary adrenal insufficiency is the most common subtype of adrenal insufficiency; it is caused by certain medications and pituitary destruction (pituitary masses, inflammation, or infiltration) and is rarely associated with certain germline variants. In this review, we discuss the etiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of secondary adrenal insufficiency and focus on the diagnostic and management challenges. We also review the management of selected special populations of patients and discuss patient-important outcomes associated with secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Keywords: cortisol; education; opioid; outcomes; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency* / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Insufficiency* / epidemiology
  • Adrenal Insufficiency* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone