A case of acute confusion: Cushing's syndrome presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Jun 30:2017:bcr2016218694. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218694.

Abstract

Cushing's syndrome is a rare disease. Cushing's syndrome presenting as acute psychosis is an exceptional occurrence. We present the case of a 37-year-old woman who was admitted with acute confusion associated with mild hypercalcaemia and was subsequently diagnosed with parathyroid and adrenal adenomas. Our hospital sees approximately 6000 endocrine patients per year, with an incidence of around four Cushing's cases annually. This is the first such case to occur in our hospital and one of few described in the literature.

Keywords: Adrenal disorders; Endocrinology; Psychiatry; Surgery; Thyroid disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / complications*
  • Adrenal Glands / pathology
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / complications*
  • Adult
  • Confusion / diagnosis
  • Confusion / etiology
  • Cushing Syndrome / complications
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercalcemia / complications
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / complications*
  • Parathyroid Glands / pathology
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / complications*
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology