Adrenal Gland Scan: Purpose
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The adrenal glands are a pair of small organs located just above the kidney, which contain two types of tissue. The adrenal cortex produces hormones that affect water balance and metabolism in the body. The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline (also called epinepherine and norepinepherine).
An adrenal gland scan is done when too much adrenaline and noradrenaline is produced in the body and a tumor in the adrenal gland is suspected. One such situation in which a tumor might be suspected is when high blood pressure (hypertension) does not respond to medication. Tumors that secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline can also be found outside the adrenal gland. An adrenal gland scan usually covers the abdomen, chest, and head.
— Tish Davidson
