Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease

Definition

PPNAD; is a rare disease caused by excess production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small glands located above each kidney and produce hormones. Hormones are chemical substances formed in one organ or part of the body that travel in the blood to other body parts where they influence how that body part works. Cortisol is one of the hormones made by the adrenals. Cortisol influences body metabolism (how the body converts small molecules to large and vice versa) and can decrease inflammation. People with PPNAD have adrenal glands that make too much cortisol or make it at inappropriate times (when the body does not need it).