PSAT066 Adrenal Insufficiency Associated with Amyloidosis and Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Thi Wai Phyo , Zavgorodneva Zhanna , Zahedi Tooraj , Zhang Fan 
Published: November 2022

Background

Amyloidosis causes chronic inflammation by the deposition of amyloid protein fragments in multiple organs, such as kidneys, adrenal, and pituitary glands. It is a challenge to access adrenocortical function in renal amyloidosis patients due to heavy proteinuria induced hypoproteinemia and low corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) which may cause false positive adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) test and the reduced cortisol level uncorrelated with free cortisol. On the other hand, adrenal insufficiency also frequently occurs in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can be affected by tissue hypoxia during recurrent small vessel occlusion, chronic anemia, and iron-overload related oxidative stress. We report a SCD patient with nephrotic syndrome due to amyloidosis, who has adrenal insufficiency.

Case Presentation

A 41 years old female with Nephrotic syndrome secondary to Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, Adrenal insufficiency, Sickle cell disease (HbSC), Graves’ Hyperthyroidism, CVA, and bilateral femoral head avascular necrosis, presented with sickle cell pain crisis and anasarca with hypotension. She was on Hydrocortisone for 12 years but was not compliant for 2 months. She was on Methimazole for several years before it was discontinued one year ago. She has amenorrhea, severe edema with anasarca from the lower extremities to the abdomen. Labs showed morning cortisol 5.46 ug/dL, low albumin 2.4 g/dL, high TSH 5.43 uIU/mL, normal FT4 1.60 ng/dL, high urine protein 996.2 mg/dL, and eGFR 21.2. CT revealed pericardial effusion, free pelvic fluid, splenomegaly, edema, and thyroid goiter. Previous labs showed persistent low cortisol 0.9 to 3.5 ug/dL, high ferritin 1007 ng/mL, and pituitary workup was normal for Prolactin 4.6 ug/L, LH 5.02 mIU/mL, FSH 9.9 mIU/mL, IGF1 216 ng/mL, and ACTH 13.1 pg/mL. NM thyroid uptake elevated 51.7% and positive TPO 79.7 IU/mL. CT head was unremarkable. The patient was managed with Lasix and Albumin infusion for anasarca, Cyclosporine for amyloidosis, and Midodrine 10 mg TID for hypotension. Hydrocortisone stress dose was given followed by Prednisone 30 mg BID. Her symptoms improved.

Discussion

In Amyloidosis patients with heavy proteinuria, the low serum CBG levels affect total cortisol level. Therefore, the proper assessment for the adrenal function should be used with albumin-calculated free cortisol or cortisol/CBG ratio in addition to the ACTH stimulation tests. It is essential to differentiate between adrenal insufficiency and amyloidosis-related symptoms to prevent adrenal crisis and refrain from glucocorticoid side effects by unnecessary steroid use. On the other hand, endocrine manifestations of SCD may include hypogonadism, thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary dysfunction due to vaso-occlusive episodes induced multi-organ ischemic damage. This patient has amenorrhea, adrenal insufficiency, and normalized thyroid function test in Graves’ disease. It is crucial to avoid iron-overload induced oxidative stress which would worsen endocrine dysfunctions as well.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.