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Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Meningococcal lesions on the back
Meningococcal lesions on the back
Adrenal gland hormone secretion
Adrenal gland hormone secretion

Definition    Return to top

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal gland. It is caused by severe meningococcal infection or other severe, overwhelming infection.

Symptoms include acute adrenal gland insufficiency and profound shock. It is deadly if not treated immediately.

Update Date: 8/16/2007

Updated by: Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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