Manejo de la patología suprarrenal en Atención Primaria

The adrenal glands are made up by a paired organ in the retroperitoneal space overlapping the upper pole of the kidney. Two functional units are distinguished in the adrenal glands: the cortex and medulla, with different embryological origin. The adrenal glands make up a hormone system that regulates many essential functions for the body. The glucocorticoids have effects on the metabolism, immune system, growth processes, the mineral corticosteroids control the sodium and potassium balance, regulating the blood pressure and the adrenal androgens contribute to the initiation of puberty. In the adrenal medulla, catecholamines are synthesized, these participating in the blood pressure control and the response to stress. This article has aimed to perform a practical review of the principal clinical pictures of the adrenal disorders and that are observed within the Primary Care setting more frequently.