ELASTOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS OF DOGS WITH ACTH DEPENDENT AND ACTH INDEPENDENT HYPERCORTISOLISM
cortisol, veterinary endocrinology, hyperglycemia
Spontaneous hypercortisolism (HC) is an endocrine disease characterized by excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal gland. It can occur due to neoformation in the adrenal gland or anterior pituitary gland. The main clinical signs observed in HC are skin changes, pendulous abdomen and hepatomegaly. The definitive diagnosis of CH is made through clinical history associated with proof of elevated serum cortisol values after performing the suppression test using a low dose of dexamethasone or ACTH stimulation. Abdominal ultrasound allows visualization of adrenal hyperplasia or the presence of neoformations. Elastography allows the evaluation of the tissue stiffness of the evaluated organ, allowing a detailed analysis, helping to identify fibrotic or neoplastic infiltrations present in the adrenal glands.