MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Meningococcal lesions on the back

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.