Le ghiandole surrenali nel cane e nel gatto: ruolo delle tecniche diagnostiche di imaging nella diagnosi di patologia ed approccio chirurgico

Abstract

The adrenal glands are equal endocrine glands that can present dysfunctions, often attributable to neoplastic masses of a nature to be investigated (benign or malignant). The most frequent endocrine disorders are due to an excessive production of cortisol, which can be caused by pituitary neoplasms, cortico-adrenal neoplasms, or linked to iatrogenic causes. The diagnostic tools that can be used to identify, measure, and analyze these glands are above all: ultrasography (ECO) and computerized scan (CT). These imaging techniques, in addition to the diagnosis of pathology, are also used as support tools to obtain indications for an optimal surgical approach. Thanks to the numerous advances made in Veterinary Medicine, the identification of adrenal neoplasms, and their surgical resolution, is now well established. The success rate of these surgeries has improved, and the prognosis for patients is good, with only 10% mortality and a post-operative life expectancy of 680 days. More scientific studies and in-depth investigations are needed on the subject, but expectations are optimal.