scholarly journals An unusual cause of adrenal insufficiency and bilateral adrenal masses

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su Ann Tee ◽  
Earn Hui Gan ◽  
Mohamad Zaher Kanaan ◽  
David Ashley Price ◽  
Tim Hoare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
List Type ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Tertiary Syphilis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Summary Primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to syphilis is extremely rare, with only five cases being reported in the literature. We report a case of adrenal insufficiency as a manifestation of Treponema pallidum infection (tertiary syphilis). A 69-year-old, previously fit and well Caucasian male was found to have adrenal insufficiency after being admitted with weight loss, anorexia and postural dizziness resulting in a fall. Biochemical testing showed hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, and an inadequate response to Synacthen testing, with a peak cortisol level of 302 nmol/L after administration of 250 µg Synacthen. Abdominal imaging revealed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. He was started on hydrocortisone replacement; however, it was not until he re-attended ophthalmology with a red eye and visual loss 1 month later, that further work-up revealed the diagnosis of tertiary syphilis. Following a course of penicillin, repeat imaging 5 months later showed resolution of the abnormal radiological appearances. However, adrenal function has not recovered and 3 years following initial presentation, the patient remains on both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of considering syphilis as a potential differential diagnosis in patients presenting with adrenal insufficiency and bilateral adrenal masses, given the recent re-emergence of this condition. The relative ease of treating infectious causes of adrenal lesions makes accurate and timely diagnosis crucial. Learning points: Infectious causes, including syphilis, should be excluded before considering adrenalectomy or biopsy for any patient presenting with an adrenal mass. It is important to perform a full infection screen including tests for human immunodeficiency virus, other blood-borne viruses and concurrent sexually transmitted diseases in patients presenting with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with primary adrenal insufficiency. Awareness of syphilis as a potential differential diagnosis is important, as it not only has a wide range of clinical presentations, but its prevalence has been increasing in recent times.

scholarly journals Bilateral adrenal masses due to tuberculosis: how to diagnose without extra-adrenal tuberculosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nam Quang Tran ◽  
Chien Cong Phan ◽  
Thao Thi Phuong Doan ◽  
Thang Viet Tran
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Epigastric Pain ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Adrenal Crisis ◽  
List Type ◽  
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Summary Primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare disease and can masquerade as other conditions; therefore, it is sometimes incorrectly diagnosed. Herein, we reported the case of a 39-year-old Vietnamese male with primary adrenal insufficiency due to bilateral adrenal tuberculosis. The patient presented to the emergency room with acute adrenal crisis and a 3-day history of nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and diarrhoea with a background of 6 months of fatigue, weight loss, and anorexia. Abdominal CT revealed bilateral adrenal masses. Biochemically, unequivocal low morning plasma cortisol (<83 nmol/L) and high plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were consistent with primary adrenal insufficiency. There was no evidence of malignancy or lymphoma. As the patient was from a tuberculosis-endemic area, extra-adrenal tuberculosis was excluded during the work up. A retroperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed, and tuberculous adrenalitis was confirmed by the histopathological results. The patient was started on antituberculous therapy, in addition to glucocorticoid replacement. In conclusion, even without evidence of extra-adrenal tuberculosis, a diagnosis of bilateral adrenal tuberculosis is required. A histopathological examination has a significant role along with clinical judgement and hormonal workup in establishing a definitive diagnosis of adrenal tuberculosis without evidence of active extra-adrenal involvement. Learning points Primary adrenal insufficiency can be misdiagnosed as other mimicking diseases, such as gastrointestinal illness, leading to diagnostic pitfalls. Adrenal insufficiency can be confirmed with significantly low morning plasma cortisol levels of <83 nmol/L without a dynamic short cosyntropin stimulation test. Tuberculous adrenalitis is an uncommon treatable condition; however, it remains an important cause of primary adrenal insufficiency, especially in developing countries. In the absence of extra-adrenal involvement, adrenal biopsy plays a key role in the diagnostic process. Alternatively, adrenalectomy for histopathological purposes should be considered if CT scan-guided fine needle aspiration is infeasible in cases of small adrenal masses.

IMPORTANCE OF ANTIBODIES TO 21-HYDROXYLASE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS OF AUTOIMMUNE CHRONIC PRIMARY ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-86
Author(s):  
L.S. Sozaeva ◽  
◽  
N.V. Makazan ◽  
L.V. Nikankina ◽  
N.M. Malysheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Enzymelinked Immunosorbent Assay

21-hydroxylase (21-OH) is the main antigen of the adrenal cortex, so the determination of antibodies (Ab) to 21-OH can help in the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic primary adrenal insufficiency (CPAI). Purpose of the study: evaluation of the relevance of Ab to 21-OH for the diagnosis and prediction of autoimmune CPAI. Materials and methods of research: the study consisted of three blocks: 1) assessment of the specificity and sensitivity, as well as the prognostic potential of Ab to 21-OH in patients with polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (APS) – individuals with APS type 1 with and without CPAI (n=106); 2) assessment of the dynamics of the level of Ab to 21-OH – patients with autoimmune CPAI were included (n=41); 3) assessment of the significance of Ab data for the differential diagnosis of various forms of CPAI, including patients with CPAI and APS type 1 exclusion (n=30). The study of Ab to 21-hydroxylase was performed using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (BioVendor kits, Czech Republic). Results: statistically significant differences were obtained in the frequency of detection of Ab to 21-OH in patients with or without PCNI (p<0,001). The sensitivity of the method was 96%, specificity was 75%, a positive predictive value was 90%, and the negative predictive value was 89%. In 83% of patients, the level of Ab decreased with time (median size decreases – 20,4%/year). An inverse relationship was also found between the level of Ab and the duration of the course of CPAI (R=–0,460, p<0,001). In a group of 30 patients with CPAI and with exclusion of APS type 1, 21 were found to have Ab to 21-OH, only one of them had a monogenic non-autoimmune cause of CPAI (a mutation in the MC2R gene). Monogenic forms of CPAI were found in another 7 patients (mutations were found in the DAX1 and ABCD1 genes), among them an increase in Ab to 21-OH was not detected. Conclusion: determination of Ab to 21-OH is a specific and sensitive method for the diagnosis of autoimmune CPAI. An increase in Ab to 21-OH is a risk marker of autoimmune CPAI development.

Frequency of hypoglycemia in children with adrenal insufficiency

1986 ◽  
Vol 113 (4_Suppl) ◽  
pp. S275-S278 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Artavia-Loria ◽  
J.L. Chaussain ◽  
P.F. Bougnères ◽  
J.C. Job
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Neonatal Period ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Hydroxylase Deficiency ◽  
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia ◽  
Basal Plasma ◽  
Adrenal Hypoplasia

Abstract The frequency of hypoglycemia in 165 children with primary adrenal insufficiency, 118 of whom had Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and 47 Addison's Disease, was 18 %. Half of the hypoglycemic episodes occurred in the neonatal period. Hypoglycemia was isolated in 13 children, revealing the disease in 4 newborns with Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia and in a boy with 11 B Hydroxylase deficiency. Basal plasma cortisol levels were significantly lower in those of subjects who experienced hypoglycemia ( 47.1 ± 28.6 ng/ml vs. 106.0 ± 86.6 ng/ml, p< 0.001). A significant correlation ( p < 0.001) was found between the plasma concentration of glucose and cortisol at time of hypoglycemia.

scholarly journals MON-LB44 Cushing’s Syndrome and Illegal Receptors

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Poku ◽  
Randa Sharag Eldin ◽  
Abubakr Hassab Elrasoul Babiker Mohamed ◽  
Sadiq Sobia
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Hormone Receptors ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Endocrine Surgery ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Unilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Production Studies ◽  
Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Abstract Case presentation: A 48-year-old female with HTN presented to the endocrinology clinic for the evaluation of incidental bilateral adrenal masses noted on chest CT for dyspnea workup. At the time of the presentation, she reported generalized fatigue, significant weight gain in the past year and shortness of breath. Her physical exam was remarkable for central obesity. Lab work showed elevated cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test x 2 and elevated 24- hour urine cortisol. Plasma free metanephrine levels and aldosterone/ renin ratio were normal. MRI abdomen was done and showed bilateral adrenal masses (left: 5.6 cm, right: 3.2 cm). Patient was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome secondary to primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and was referred to endocrine surgery who recommended unilateral adrenalectomy. The decision was made to remove the larger left side adrenal mass. On post-operative day one her am cortisol decreased to 2.1 and she was started on hydrocortisone 20 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening. Discussion: Primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause (&lt; 2 %) of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, usually occurs in a bimodal age distribution, in childhood and in the fifth- sixth decades. Presentation is variable with most patients having no symptoms or subclinical Cushing’s. The theory is the larger nodule size corelates with the higher cortisol production. Studies have shown between 60-70% of cases has aberrant ectopic hormone receptors which leads to increased cortisol production not only from ACTH but also from other ligands such as serotonin and vasopressin. Aberrant receptor testing examines whether cortisol or other steroid production increases in response to either physiologic or pharmacologic stimulus. Multiple genetic mutations have been associated, the most frequent is mutations in the Armadillo repeat- containing 5 gene identified in 2013. Treatment can either be medical or surgical. Medical therapy can be initiated if testing for an aberrant receptor is positive. In recent years there has been a trend towards doing unilateral adrenalectomy instead of bilateral, with initial remission of symptoms reported in about 84% of cases after unilateral adrenalectomy although there is a small risk of recurrence. Post operatively after unilateral adrenalectomy patients should be monitored for adrenal insufficiency. Our patient declined aberrant receptor testing and opted for surgery and is doing well post operatively. Conclusion: Primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome which can be treated either medically or surgically.

scholarly journals MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Differential diagnosis, investigation and therapy of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas

2018 ◽  
Vol 179 (2) ◽  
pp. R57-R67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Bourdeau ◽  
Nada El Ghorayeb ◽  
Nadia Gagnon ◽  
André Lacroix
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Acth Secretion ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Ectopic Acth Secretion ◽  
Endocrine Disease ◽  
Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Hormonal Evaluation

The investigation and management of unilateral adrenal incidentalomas have been extensively considered in the last decades. While bilateral adrenal incidentalomas represent about 15% of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), they have been less frequently discussed. The differential diagnosis of bilateral incidentalomas includes metastasis, primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and bilateral cortical adenomas. Less frequent etiologies are bilateral pheochromocytomas, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), Cushing’s disease or ectopic ACTH secretion with secondary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, primary malignancies, myelolipomas, infections or hemorrhage. The investigation of bilateral incidentalomas includes the same hormonal evaluation to exclude excess hormone secretion as recommended in unilateral AI, but diagnosis of CAH and adrenal insufficiency should also be excluded. This review is focused on the differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of bilateral AIs.

scholarly journals Massive adrenal incidentalomas and late diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in prostate cancer

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Feng ◽  
Gregory Kline
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Adrenal Crisis ◽  
List Type ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Glucocorticoid Treatment ◽  
Adrenal Myelolipoma ◽  
Efficacious Treatment ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Summary In a 61-year-old Caucasian male with prostate cancer, leuprolide and bicalutamide failed to suppress the androgens. He presented to endocrinology with persistently normal testosterone and incidental massive (up to 18 cm) bilateral adrenal myelolipomas on CT scan. Blood test did not reveal metanephrine excess. The patient was noted to have short stature (151 cm) and primary infertility. Elementary school photographs demonstrated precocious puberty. Physical examination revealed palpable abdominal (adrenal) masses. Abiraterone and glucocorticoid treatment was commenced with excellent suppression of testosterone. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in CYP21A2 confirming 21-hydroxylase-deficient congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Association of large myelolipomas with CAH has been reported in the literature. Our case highlights the importance of considering CAH in patients with non-suppressed testosterone despite androgen deprivation therapy. Large myelolipomas should raise the suspicion of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Learning points: Adrenal myelolipomas are rare benign lesions that are more common in patients with longstanding untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia thought to be due to ACTH stimulation. Consider undiagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia in patients with adrenal myelolipoma. Glucocorticoid replacement may be an efficacious treatment for patients with prostate cancer and CAH. Abiraterone therapy has a risk of adrenal crisis if glucocorticoids are not replaced.

scholarly journals SUN-173 A Gigantic Uterine Leiomyoma and Big Bilateral Adrenal Myelolipomas as a Result of Untreated Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty La ◽  
Ha Nguyen ◽  
Celestine Tung ◽  
Eugene Choi
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Adrenal Mass ◽  
Uterine Leiomyoma ◽  
Pelvic Mass ◽  
Treatment Compliance ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Abstract Introduction Patients with untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can present early with severe symptoms of salt wasting, adrenal insufficiency and hyperandrogenism. Late consequences as a result of long term untreated CAH are rarely seen nowadays. We present a patient who presented with a massive uterine leiomyoma and bilateral adrenal myelolipomas due to longstanding treatment noncompliance. Clinical Case A female was born with ambiguous genitalia and diagnosed with CAH at birth. She was raised as a female and received steroids until age 29 when she stopped taking steroids on her own with the intention of identifying as a male. At age 37, he presented with abdominal distension, vomiting, and hypotension. Physical exam was notable for hypotension, significantly distended abdomen, hirsutism, gynecomastia and clitoromegaly. Labs revealed sodium 126 meq/L (136–145) cortisol 78.5 ug/dL (3.7–19.4), ACTH 166 pg/mL (6–50), 17-hydroxyprogesterone 4356 ng/dL (≤285), androstenedione 7188 ng/dL (35–250), total testosterone 737 ng/dL (2–45), estradiol 142 pg/mL (48–440), aldosterone &lt;1 ng/dL (3–16), renin 0.45 ng/mL/hr (0.25–5.82), metanephrines 56 pg/mL (≤205), normetanephrines 56 pg/mL (≤148). CT abdomen and pelvis revealed a large 31 x 35 x 31 cm pelvic mass, a 5.9 x 2.4 cm right adrenal mass and an 11.8 x 8.8 cm left adrenal mass. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral adrenalectomy. Pathology of the pelvic mass was consistent with uterine leiomyoma (gross tumor was 12.4 kg) and pathology of the bilateral adrenal masses were consistent with bilateral adrenal myelolipomas. Discussion Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are the mainstays of treatment in CAH, with the goal of providing adequate replacement while reducing levels of ACTH and adrenal androgens. Persistently elevated levels of ACTH and androgens can lead to many serious sequela, even outside of adrenal insufficiency and virilization. Due to the conversion of androgens to estrogens, untreated females with CAH have significantly elevated levels of both hormones. These high levels of androgens and estrogen can then stimulate growth of estrogen-dependent organs as exemplified by our patient. Chronic ACTH stimulation can cause adrenal hyperplasia, but has also been associated with the development of other adrenal masses including adrenal myelolipomas. Adrenal myelolipomas can become hormonally functional or cause mass effect, hemorrhage, necrosis when reaching a large enough size. Conclusion This case demonstrates the importance of CAH treatment compliance as there are many serious sequela outside of the expected adrenal insufficiency and virilization. Even when the desired effect is virilization with physical male features, other means of hormonal therapy should be considered as there remains the risks of abnormal growth of certain organs sensitive to the excessive hormones.

scholarly journals Iatrogenic myxoedema madness following radioactive iodine ablation for Graves' disease, with a concurrent diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Larouche ◽  
L Snell ◽  
D V Morris
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Iodine ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Adrenal Adenoma ◽  
Primary Hyperaldosteronism ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
List Type ◽  
Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽  
Acute Hypothyroidism ◽  
Radioactive Iodine Ablation

Summary Myxoedema madness was first described as a consequence of severe hypothyroidism in 1949. Most cases were secondary to long-standing untreated primary hypothyroidism. We present the first reported case of iatrogenic myxoedema madness following radioactive iodine ablation for Graves' disease, with a second concurrent diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism. A 29-year-old woman presented with severe hypothyroidism, a 1-week history of psychotic behaviour and paranoid delusions 3 months after treatment with radioactive iodine ablation for Graves' disease. Her psychiatric symptoms abated with levothyroxine replacement. She was concurrently found to be hypertensive and hypokalemic. Primary hyperaldosteronism from bilateral adrenal hyperplasia was diagnosed. This case report serves as a reminder that myxoedema madness can be a complication of acute hypothyroidism following radioactive iodine ablation of Graves' disease and that primary hyperaldosteronism may be associated with autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Learning points Psychosis (myxoedema madness) can present as a neuropsychiatric manifestation of acute hypothyroidism following radioactive iodine ablation of Graves' disease. Primary hyperaldosteronism may be caused by idiopathic bilateral adrenal hyperplasia even in the presence of an adrenal adenoma seen on imaging. Adrenal vein sampling is a useful tool for differentiating between a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma, which is managed surgically, and an idiopathic bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, which is managed medically. The management of autoimmune hyperthyroidism, iatrogenic hypothyroidism and primary hyperaldosteronism from bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia in patients planning pregnancy includes delaying pregnancy 6 months following radioactive iodine treatment and until patient is euthyroid for 3 months, using amiloride as opposed to spironolactone, controlling blood pressure with agents safe in pregnancy such as nifedipine and avoiding β blockers. Autoimmune hyperthyroidism and primary hyperaldosteronism rarely coexist; any underlying mechanism associating the two is still unclear.

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