scholarly journals Severe Psychotic Disorder as the Main Manifestation of Adrenal Insufficiency

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia de Lima Farah ◽  
Carolina Villar Lauand ◽  
Lucas Chequi ◽  
Enrico Fortunato ◽  
Felipe Pasqualino ◽  
...  

We describe a case of severe psychotic disorder as the only manifestation of primary adrenal insufficiency. A 63-year-old man presented with psychotic symptoms without any prior psychiatric history. During the clinical and laboratorial investigation, exams revealed a normovolemic hyponatremia. The patient showed no other clinical signs or symptoms compatible with adrenal insufficiency but displayed very high ACTH and low serum cortisol concentrations. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no significant changes, including the pituitary gland. The patient was initially treated with intravenous corticosteroids, resulting in rapid remission of the psychotic symptoms. The association between adrenal insufficiency and neuropsychiatric symptoms is rare but these symptoms can often be the first clinical presentation of the disease.

Author(s):  
Silvia Galliazzo ◽  
Filippo Morando ◽  
Paola Sartorato ◽  
Michela Bortolin ◽  
Ernesto De Menis

Background: Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors is a new frontier for cancer treatment. On the safety profile, this drug class is associated with a new spectrum of side effects, the so-called immune-related adverse events that can potentially affect any organs, mainly endocrine glands. Scant data are available to inform the appropriate strategy of their management and treatment. Case Presentation: A 74-years man with squamous non-small cell lung cancer on nivolumab was hospitalized for fatigue, nausea, vomiting and severe hyponatremia. Biochemical tests were significant for hypotonic hyponatremia with a high urine sodium concentration. Endocrine tests showed overt primary hypothyroidism and low serum cortisol and aldosterone levels associated with an elevated circulating level of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Adrenal antibody screening and the search of adrenal lesion on CT abdomen were negative. Thus, a nivolumab-induced primary adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed. Nivolumab withdrawal and replacement treatment with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid allowed clinical and biochemical recovery. Conclusion: Physicians need to be aware of potential immune-related adverse events in all patients treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Their timely recognition is essential to carry out the proper treatment.


Author(s):  
Iza F R Machado ◽  
Isabel Q Menezes ◽  
Sabrina R Figueiredo ◽  
Fernando Morbeck Almeida Coelho ◽  
Debora R B Terrabuio ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a proinflammatory and prothrombotic condition, but its impact on adrenal function has not been adequately evaluated. Case report A 46-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, hypotension, skin hyperpigmentation after COVID-19 infection. The patient had hyponatremia, serum cortisol <1.0 ug/dL, ACTH of 807 pg/mL and aldosterone <3 ng/dL. Computed tomography (CT) findings of adrenal enlargement with no parenchymal and minimal peripheral capsular enhancement after contrast were consistent with bilateral adrenal infarction. The patient had autoimmune hepatitis and positive antiphospholipid antibodies, but no previous thrombotic events. The patient was treated with intravenous hydrocortisone, followed by oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. Discussion Among 115 articles, we identified nine articles, including case reports, of new-onset adrenal insufficiency and/or adrenal hemorrhage/infarction on CT in COVID-19. Adrenal insufficiency was hormonally diagnosed in five cases, but ACTH levels were measured in only three cases (high in one case and normal/low in other two cases). Bilateral adrenal non- or hemorrhagic infarction was identified in five reports (two had adrenal insufficiency, two had normal cortisol levels and one case had no data). Interestingly, the only case with well-characterized new-onset acute primary adrenal insufficiency after COVID-19 had a previous diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. In our case, antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosis was established only after the adrenal infarction triggered by COVID-19. Conclusions Our findings support the association between bilateral adrenal infarction and antiphospholipid syndrome triggered by COVID-19. Therefore, patients with positive antiphospholipid antibodies should be closely monitored for symptoms or signs of acute adrenal insufficiency during COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Shelby Graf ◽  
Rachel Stork Poeppelman ◽  
Jennifer McVean ◽  
Arpana Rayannavar ◽  
Muna Sunni

Abstract Objectives To describe an atypical presentation of primary adrenal insufficiency in conjunction with new onset type 1 diabetes. Case presentation Here, we describe a case of new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) presenting simultaneously with an unusual presentation of primary adrenal insufficiency in a previously healthy 16-year-old. He was admitted for a typical presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis, but with extreme hyponatremia. An extensive workup revealed a low aldosterone level, appropriate cortisol level, and positive 21-hydroxylase antibodies. While the phenomenon of multiple autoimmune conditions developing in the same patient is well-described, this particular case has several atypical aspects. Our patient’s case highlights the danger of relying on random serum cortisol in the setting of acute illness to rule out adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions Adrenal insufficiency can present as isolated hypoaldosteronism without hypocortisolemia and can manifest as severe hyponatremia in the context of diabetic ketoacidosis. Workup for an unusual presentation of T1D should include a 21-hydroxylase antibody, as well as thyroid and celiac disease studies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-237
Author(s):  
Sultana Marufa Shefin ◽  
Kazi Nazmul Hossain ◽  
Jamal Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infectious disease in developing countries like Bangladesh. Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a significant threat to the population. A relatively uncommon site of involvement of TB is adrenal gland, which is an important cause of chronic adrenal insufficiency. Here we present a case of a 40-year-old male with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) involving the adrenal glands. He was previously diagnosed as a case of disseminated TB involving lungs, right knee joint and lumbar spine and received anti-TB chemotherapy for several occasions and in different categories in last 12 years before this presentation. He presented with 4-month history of vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, generalized pigmentation and postural hypotension. Investigations revealed hyponatremia with hyperkalemia. Adrenal insufficiency was suspected and serum cortisol was found to be low and serum adreno corticotropic hormone (ACTH) was high. On imaging there was bilateral adrenal enlargement. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done from adrenal gland which revealed granulomatous lesion suggestive of TB. Gene Xpert and culture-sensitivity of aspirated material for Mycobacterium tuberculosis revealed MDR-TB. Patient was finally diagnosed as a case of primary adrenal insufficiency due to MDR-TB of the adrenal glands and was treated with regime for MDR-TB for 20 months.Birdem Med J 2017; 7(3): 235-237


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. e236940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin M Smith ◽  
Jonathan R Komisar ◽  
Ahmad Mourad ◽  
Brian R Kincaid

A 36-year-old previously healthy woman with no personal or family history of mental illness presented with new-onset psychosis after a diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19. Her psychotic symptoms initially improved with antipsychotics and benzodiazepines and further improved with resolution of COVID-19 symptoms. This is the first case of COVID-19-associated psychosis in a patient with no personal or family history of a severe mood or psychotic disorder presenting with symptomatic COVID-19, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring of neuropsychiatric symptoms in these individuals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1379-1382
Author(s):  
Alexis Demas ◽  
David Tillot

Abstract In the psychological thriller film Joker, released in 2019 and starring Joaquin Phoenix in the first role, another possible origin story for this iconic character is reported. Above all, it brings us medical elements for the understanding of the development of this complex character. Contrary to other interpretations, we discover a lonely, timid and uncharismatic man (Arthur Fleck). He seems to be suffering from psychobehavioral disorders and seems depressed. There is a strangeness in his behavior along with social withdrawal. He suffers from fits of laughter that occur at socially inappropriate times. He also suffers from psychotic symptoms with visual delusions. We learn through the film that he was a beaten child, psychologically and physically abused with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The uncontrollable outbursts of laughter, behavioral and psychotic disorders followed these elements. As a neurologist, I was intrigued by these symptoms. I have explored the neuropsychiatric symptoms complicating TBI from which he seems to suffer and which have been reported in the literature. We can assume that the Joker is suffering from neuropsychiatric sequelae related to childhood TBI involving the frontotemporal regions and, in particular, the lateral aspect of the left frontal lobe. The movie Joker has medical significance and covers social aspects of medicine and health care. First, it allows us to discuss whether psychotic disorder due to TBI should be considered a neurobiological syndrome. More broadly, albeit fictitious, it asks us about the management of patients with neuropsychiatric illness, which is a public health problem. It also reminds us that semiological descriptions of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders have served as inspiration for many authors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 2288-2295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yansheng Jin ◽  
Maoxiao Fan

This study aimed to report a unique case of primary adrenal insufficiency that was accompanied by painful gynecomastia, which was resolved by treatment with prednisone. Enlargement of the left breast with continuous weakness and generalized nausea in a male was discovered 3 months before admission. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was normal 1 month before presentation. A physical examination revealed that the diameter of the left breast was 5 cm and the height was 3 cm. Laboratory investigations revealed hyponatremia, with a low serum cortisol level and an elevated prolactin level. Hyperprolactinemia was suspected because of adrenal deficiency that was directly or indirectly associated with increased prolactin levels. Thus, a diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia was confirmed. Ultrasonography of the left breast showed glandular tissue hyperplasia. In the present study, treating adrenal insufficiency with prednisone relieved both gynecomastia and hyponatremia. However, gynecomastia regression and hyponatremia resolution were observed when prednisone was stopped. Gynecomastia completely resolved by re-administering prednisone. Therefore, treating the underlying disease is essential so that prednisone can be given in a timely manner.


Author(s):  
Galina L. D'Souza ◽  
Priya Nayak K.

Psychotic symptoms are seen in patients with medical disorders. Multisystem atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder which is rapidly progressive. It can occur in two forms; one with parkinsonian features (MSA-P) and other with cerebellar ataxia (MSA-C). The prevalence of this disorder is about 2-5 per 1,00,000 individuals. Neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression, apathy and anxiety have been reported frequently in these patients but there are isolated reports describing hallucinations in patients with MSA. It is mostly seen in patients with parkinsonian type of MSA rather than cerebellar type of MSA. Here we report a rare case of psychotic disorder in a patient with cerebellar type of multi-system atrophy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (3-4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petja Fister ◽  
Marta Žnidaršič Eržen ◽  
Primož Kotnik ◽  
Mojca Tomažič

Adrenal bleeding in a newborn is rare. The cause of bleeding is unknown, most likely due to several factors. Bleeding may be minimal with no clinical signs or fulminant with acute adrenal insufficiency, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate detection and treatment.In this paper we represent a clinical case of a term neonate born to the mother with gestational diabetes, who was hospitalised due to high early hyperbilirubinemia. Significant bleeding in both adrenal glands was identified by ultrasound and primary adrenal insufficiency diagnosed. We discuss possible causes, the diagnostic clues, the treatment of disease and its prognosis.


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