Nelson's syndrome

Nelson's syndrome

 [nel´sunz]

the development of an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor after bilateral adrenalectomy in Cushing's syndrome; it is characterized by aggressive growth of the tumor and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

Nelson's syndrome

A late complication of removal of both adrenal glands for CUSHING'S SYNDROME. A rapidly growing, invasive tumour of the PITUITARY GLAND occurs, releasing hormones that produce intense brown pigmentation of the skin. (Don H. Nelson, American physician, b. 1925).

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005