6768 A Rare Presentation of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency with Hypertension & Hypokalemia
Authors: San Hernandez Aleyda Maria , Alshantti Raeda , Espinoza Mercado Gustavo , San Hernandez Jorge L 
Published: October 2024

Disclosure: A.M. San Hernandez: None. R. Alshantti: None. G. Espinoza Mercado: None. J.L. San Hernandez: None.

Introduction: Adrenal Insufficiency is caused by the failure of the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids +/- mineralocorticoids. This can be due to a defect in the adrenal cortex, or in the hypothalamic pituitary axis. The clinical manifestations are usually non-specific, ranging from mild vague symptoms to life threatening crisis. Therefore, diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion by providers. Unusual presentations of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) with hypertension and hypokalemia have been rarely described in the literature. We present a rare case of PAI with hypertension and hypokalemia. Case Presentation: A 68 years old female with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism on Levothyroxine, chronic transaminitis, and bicytopenia presented to the hospital with a 6 weeks history of generalized weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dizziness. Patient denied any diuretic or steroid use within the last 2 years. On arrival, she was afebrile, hypertensive (168/84mmHg), with normal oxygenation and pulse. Physical examination was unremarkable with normal volume status. Initial laboratory results showed low sodium 116 mEq/L, low serum osmolality 247 MEQ/kg, normal potassium 3.6 mEq/L, Creatinine 0.3 mg/dL & BUN 9 mg/dL. She was initially started on IVF normal saline. Further workup revealed normal TSH & FT4 levels. Urine study showed urine osmolality (477 MOSM/KG), & urine sodium (127 mEq/L). Given these findings, SIADH was suspected and fluid restriction was started. Sodium level continued to be low with minimal improvement to 120 mEq/L, potassium levels also dropped (3.3-3.2 mEq/L), requiring daily replacement. BP remained elevated ranging from 150s to 160s systolic and 80s to 90s diastolic. Hypertension was controlled with her home medication Amlodipine. Although atypical presentation with hypertension & hypokalemia, the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was considered. Laboratory evaluation showed low morning cortisol 5.2 ug/dL, with album level 3.5 g/dL. Cosyntropin stimulation test showed 1.3 ug/dL (at baseline), 9.9 (30 min post administration), and 14.4 (1 hour post administration); results confirming PAI. ACTH, Renin, Aldosterone, & DHEAS levels were normal. CT adrenal was normal. Patient was started on hydrocortisone; some of her symptoms & Na level improved. Further investigation of the etiology of PAI and possible hyperaldosteronism is pending outpatient follow up. Conclusion: Adrenal insufficiency is a life threatening condition with serious consequences if diagnosis is missed. It manifests by a wide spectrum of symptoms and signs, some can be masked by the presence of other comorbid conditions leading to atypical presentations. Our case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion of adrenal insufficiency in patients with atypical presentation, including those with hypertension & hypokalemia.

Presentation: 6/3/2024