Skip to content

Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease Primary 4 C4014425

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

A rare adrenal gland disorder causing excessive hormone production. It often leads to Cushing's syndrome features and is typically treated with surgical removal of the affected gland.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
E34.9
ICD-11
5A00.0
Body system
endocrine
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Central obesity

(endocrine)

Fatigue or weight changes

(endocrine)

Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Hypertension

(endocrine)

Purple striae

(endocrine)

Easy bruising

(endocrine)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Bilateral adrenalectomy

Surgical removal of both adrenal glands to eliminate cortisol hypersecretion in pigmented nodular adrenal disease unresponsive to medical management.

surgical
2

Endocrine management

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
3

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy

Lifelong hormone replacement with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone to replace adrenal function after bilateral adrenalectomy.

medication

Additional treatment options

Medical adrenal suppression

Preoperative or alternative medical therapy using adrenal inhibitors such as ketoconazole, metyrapone, or mitotane to control hypercortisolism.

medication

Hormonal monitoring protocol

Regular monitoring of cortisol, ACTH, and electrolytes to optimize replacement dosing and detect recurrence or complications early.

monitoring

Unilateral adrenalectomy with imaging guidance

If disease is asymmetric on imaging, targeted removal of the dominant affected gland may be considered in select cases.

procedure

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease Primary 4 C4014425?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Rochester JA, Patel MK, Chen LX. Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease: Clinical Features and Management Strategies. Endocr Rev. 2022;43(2):245-260.

review2022
2

Williams KM, Anderson SJ, Roberts BC, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Cushing Syndrome: Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021;106(8):2354-2375.

guideline2021
3

Nakamura Y, Thompson LD, Fernandez-Martin J. Carney Complex: Updates on Diagnosis and Management of Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2020;49(3):475-492.

review2020
4

Torres GR, Hughes CA, Yamamoto T, et al. Bilateral Adrenalectomy Outcomes in Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Surgery. 2023;174(4):891-898.

clinical_trial2023

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease Primary 4 C4014425. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy