ADDISON'S DISEASE, DRAWING

Addison's disease is caused by a dysfuntioning of the adrenal cortex, which fails to produce sufficient levels of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. This disorder results in anemia, low blood pressure and hypoglycemia. Treatment involves lifetime administration of hydrocortisone and fluodrocortison. If surgery is needed, the patient runs a risk of acute adrenocortical insufficiency due to insufficient levels of cortisol, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Shown here, greyish, waxen facial skin tone indicating renal disorders.