[Addisonian crisis caused by metastatic lung cancer. Report of one case]

Rev Med Chil. 2011 Sep;139(9):1196-200. Epub 2011 Nov 17.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Addisonian crisis as a first manifestation of metastatic disease secondary to cancer is uncommon. We report a 63-year-old man with a history of one year of fatigue, weakness, weight loss and repeated symptomatic hypoglycemia. The cortisol stimulation test with ACTH confirmed primary adrenal insufficiency. While receiving adequate treatment with oral hydrocortisone, he presented an adrenal crisis that was treated properly. A CT scan of the lung demonstrated a nodule in the upper right lobe and bilateral adrenal tumors. The biopsy of the lesion revealed a lung adenocarcinoma. The staging with positron emission tomography using 18 fluoroglucose (PET/CT18F- FDG) showed hypermetabolic uptake in the primary lung tumor and in both adrenal glands, suggesting metastatic implants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Addison Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Addison Disease / etiology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18