[Drug-induced changes in adrenal cortex function].

Glucocorticoids, commonly used in the treatment of various disorders, particularly if administered at high doses, may lead to the development of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, being by far the most common iatrogenic disorder of the adrenal gland. In some cases, however, adrenal cortex function may be affected by other drugs and risk of the development of various clinical entities is dependent on the drug, its dose, as well as on the duration of the treatment. This risk is also related to the baseline function of this gland. Because little is known about the influence of non-hormonal drugs on adrenal cortex function, many physicians are unaware of the existence of these disorders, which, if not detected in the early stages, can pose serious health risk. Although distinguishing endogenous from exogenous adrenal cortex disorders is usually straightforward and based on the patient's history, in rare cases the investigation and differentiation of iatrogenic adrenal cortex disorders may be diagnostically challenging. This article raises awareness of the association between drugs other than adrenal cortex hormones and the function of this gland, and provide the reader with recommendations concerning the diagnosis and treatment of iatrogenic adrenal cortex disorders.