Nelson Syndrome
Nelson Syndrome Causes
Removal of adrenal glands for the purpose of treating Cushing's disease eliminates cortisol production. This situation can trigger any pre-existing pituitary tumor to grow rapidly without being noticed. Uninterrupted growth can bring about major negative consequences due to physical compression of the brain tissue.
Nelson Syndrome Definition
Nelson's Syndrome is the rapid enlargement of a pituitary tumor that comes about after removing both adrenal glands.
Nelson Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
Nelson Syndrome presents the following manifestations: * Reduced visual fields * Excessive pigmentations in the skin * Pituitary humor * Increased levels of ACTH or Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone * Headache * Absence of menstruation * Enlarged pituitary gland * Increased levels of Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone (MSH) * Muscle weakness