n. the surgical removal of an *adrenal gland, usually performed because of neoplastic disease.
a condition in which an *ACTH-producing pituitary tumour expands after loss of negative *feedback following bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing’s disease. (see Cushing’s syndrome) Hyperpigmentation due to excess pituitary MSH secretion is a prominent feature. Nelson’s syndrome has become rare because the standard treatment for Cushing’s disease is now surgical removal of the tumour; bilateral adrenalectomy is used only in extreme circumstances. [D. H. Nelson (1925–2009), US physician]... nelson’s syndrome