Pathomorphology of the Adrenal Glands in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a pathological condition that develops predominantly in the third trimester of pregnancy and whose etiology has not yet been fully elucidated. It is characterized by arterial hypertension, proteinuria, and a range of other clinical manifestations. In preeclampsia, an excessive stress-induced response of the adrenal glands is observed, leading to increased morphofunctional activity and subsequent damage to cellular elements of all adrenal layers. As a result, the adrenal cortex demonstrates pronounced vascular congestion accompanied by focal diapedetic hemorrhages, as well as dystrophic and necrobiotic changes across all cortical zones. Notably, the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex is the most vulnerable region; hyperfunctional activity of the glandular epithelium in this zone contributes to the development of massive hyperemia and focal necrosis.