Three patients with isolated adrenocorticotropin deficiency presenting with neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like symptoms

Intern Med. 2001 Jun;40(6):510-4. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.40.510.

Abstract

We report 3 patients with isolated adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) deficiency presenting with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like symptoms. All patients were in their 60's or 70's and showed consciousness disturbance, a high-grade fever, extrapyramydal signs, and muscle enzyme elevations, which met the criteria for NMS. Also, they all showed hyponatremia induced by isolated ACTH deficiency. In addition to the standard therapy for NMS, corticosteroid supplement therapy was effective in all patients. There thus appear to be subjects with isolated ACTH deficiency among patients presenting with NMS-like symptoms, and adrenal and pituitary function should be checked in NMS patients with hyponatremia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / deficiency*
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / etiology*

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone