<p>The cortices of the adrenal glands produce Cortisol and insufficient circulating levels of cortisol is virtually incompatible with life. Adrenal insufficiency (AI), although rare, is a life-threatening condition, which needs prompt recognition and treatment. It may be acute or chronic, and an emergency situation is characterised by an exaggeration of the symptoms (Gumowski and Loughran 1996).</p>