Primary vs Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency - Pathophysiology Primary AI = adrenal glands themselves are the problem. This means cortisol AND aldosterone will be low, while ACTH AND Renin will be very elevated in attempt to remedy this! Secondary AI = the pituitary gland is the culprit. Low ACTH leads to limited adrenal stimulation, thus low cortisol. Aldosterone & Renin aren’t really impacted by this, as their RAA axis is distinct! UCSD Internal Medicine @ucsdim #Primary #Secondary #Adrenal #Insufficiency #Pathophysiology #endocrinology
