ExplanationIntermediate
What are the three categories of adrenal insufficiency and their causes?
The three categories of adrenal insufficiency are primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison disease, occurs due to destruction of the adrenal cortex. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is caused by pituitary disease or lack of responsiveness of the adrenal glands to ACTH, while tertiary adrenal insufficiency results from impaired hypothalamic function, often due to chronic corticosteroid use.
Key points
- Primary adrenal insufficiency is also called Addison disease.
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency results from pituitary issues or critical illness.
- Tertiary adrenal insufficiency is often due to chronic corticosteroid use.
Source:Little and Falace’s Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient· Adrenal Insufficiency· p. 297–300
Little and Falace’s Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient
James W. Little DMD MS
Ninth Edition · Elsevier, Inc.