Preface

In the context of the accelerated progress in endocrinology, addressing adrenal gland pathology and the latest therapeutic developments in adrenal diseases presents a significant challenge.

The adrenal gland is essential for survival and represents the primary endocrine pathway for adapting to stress, making its pathology complex and with profound implications for the entire body.

This book delves into the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the adrenal glands, striving to present the current state of knowledge in the field and new therapeutic perspectives.

The first section of the book is dedicated to describing the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the adrenal glands, with a separate chapter detailing the hormones secreted by the adrenals and their effects on the body.

The second section of the book extensively covers adrenal diseases with clinical significance. From Cushing's syndrome to primary aldosteronism, from congenital adrenal hyperplasia to pheochromocytoma, each chapter in this section is like a standalone volume, exploring diagnostic and therapeutic aspects that can be reviewed and redefined, presented in detail, and complemented with new data.

Equally important are the interconnections that the adrenal gland has within the human body, laying the groundwork for describing the intimate mechanisms that lead to adrenal diseases affecting other tissues and organs, as well as strategic considerations regarding treatment. Surgical treatment is discussed separately, given the complexity of this therapy and the technical advancements accumulated in recent years.

This book, addressing both practicing endocrinologists and specialists from other medical fields, explores the mysteries of adrenal diseases and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge about this gland. It offers an easy-to-follow format that focuses on the most significant advancements in the etiopathogenesis, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the chapter authors for their courage in addressing this complex and fascinating pathology and for their support in this endeavor.

#### **Diana Loreta Păun**

Section 1

Anatomy and Physiology of

the Adrenal Glands

Department of Endocrinology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

#### **Pasquale Cianci and Enrico Restini**

"Lorenzo Bonomo" Hospital-ASL BAT, Department of Surgery and Traumatology, Andria (Puglia), Italy Section 1
