Unit 12- Adrenal Glands (Elie)

The right adrenal gland is _______ to the IVC?

Posterior

What is the location of the adrenal glands in relation to the kidneys?

Anterior, medial, and superior to kidneys

What is the location of the Right Adrenal gland?

Superior

What is the shape of the Right Adrenal Gland?

Triangular/ Comma shaped

What is the location of the Left Adrenal Gland?

Medial

What is the shape of the Left Adrenal Gland?

Semilunar/ Lengthened Out

What is the echogenicity of adrenal glands?

Hypoechoic

What is the size of the adrenal glands?

• < 3 cm (usually)

• 3-6 cm long

• 3-6 mm thick

• 2-4 cm wide

What is the Cortex of the adrenal gland?

Outer Layer

What is the Medulla in the adrenal gland?

Inner Layer

Are the cortex and medulla seen normally in adults?

No, do not typically visualize unless there is something else going on

What structures are the adrenal glands?

Hypoechoic structures

What is the echogenicity of the medulla?

• Thick, echogenic core

• Hyperechoic

What is the echogenicity of the cortex?

Thick, hypoechoic zone

What is hypertrophied adrenal cortex?

Increased cell size

Are the adrenal glands proportionally larger in children or adults?

Children

What is the renal/adrenal ratio in children and adults?

• 1/3 children

• 1/13 in adults

What is the arterial vascular supply of the adrenals?

• Suprarenal branches from

  • Inferior phrenic

  • Aorta

  • Renal Arteries

What is the venous vascular drainage?

Suprarenal vein

• Rt, directly into the IVC

• Lt, into left renal vein

What are these images showing

Right Adrenal and Left Adrenal in the Neonate

What type of gland are the adrenal glands?

Endocrine glands

What does the cortex secrete?

Steroid Hormones

What does the medulla secrete?

• Epinephrine

• Norepinephrine