[When an adrenal crisis disguises itself as a viral gastroenteritis]

Rev Med Suisse. 2023 Feb 15;19(814):338-339. doi: 10.53738/REVMED.2023.19.814.338.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A 44-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency department for uncontrollable vomiting, weakness, and headache. His medical history included regular episodes of migraines and traumatic brain injury at the age of 11. Upon admission, the patient was confused with stable vital signs. The epigastrium was slightly sensitive. Additional examinations (ECG and laboratory analysis) were unremarkable, and clinicians thought it was gastroenteritis. A detailed interview revealed that the patient had been taking daily hydrocortisone to treat panhypopi-tuitarism secondary to past traumatic brain injury. The diagnosis of stress-induced adrenal insufficiency was finally retained.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenal Insufficiency* / complications
  • Adrenal Insufficiency* / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic*
  • Enteritis*
  • Gastroenteritis* / complications
  • Gastroenteritis* / diagnosis
  • Headache
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone