It results from inadequate secretion of cortisol and / or aldosterone.
Adrenal insufficiency and hypocortisolism is a long term endocrine disorder. Adrenal gland don’t produce enough hormones.
CAUSES
• Autoimmune
• Tuberculosis
• Metabolism
• Bilateral adrenalectomy
• Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
• Lymphoma
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOMS DUE TO GLUCOCORTICOID INSUFFICIENCY:
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Features of shock
• Orthostatic hypotension ( Postural Hypotension)
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyponatremia
• Hypercalcemia
SYMPTOMS DUE TO MELANO CORTICOSTEROID INSUFFICIENCY:
• Hypotension
• Shock
• Syncope
• Hyponatremia
• Hypercalcemia
SYMPTOMS DUE TO ADRENAL ANDROGENIC INSUFFICIENCY:
• Decrease body hair
• Loss of libido especially women
SYMPTOMS DUE TO ACTH EXCESS:
• Hyper pigmentation
Side – Sun expose areas, elbows, knees, palmar crease, mucus members, Conjunctiva
OTHER SYMPTOMS
• Muscle stiffness
• Scanty pubic and axillary hair in female
• Emotional changes
INVESTIGATION
1. BLOOD:
Hyponatremia
Sodium decrease
Potassium increase or hyperkalemia
Hypercalcemia
Hypoglycemia
Low plasma cortisol
2. Chest X-Ray
3. CT scan of abdomen
4. ACTH Stimulating test
5. MRI of abdomen
TREATMENT
