Almost a similar study conducted in India reported the clinical spectrum of hypopituitarism with hypogonadism (97%) as the most common abnormality, followed by growth hormone deficiency (88.1% of the 42 patients tested), hypothyroidism (83.2%),
hypoadrenalism (79.6%), and diabetes insipidus (13.3%).13
Others (Hyperparathyroidism, Hypopituitarism,
Hypoadrenalism)
TM patients often present with multiple endocrine dysfunctions including growth failure, hypogonadism, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and, less frequently,
hypoadrenalism (5,55,56,57).
[5] It has been proposed that if patient fatigue exists, true
hypoadrenalism should be definitively excluded, as Addison's disease is associated with high mortality.
Glucagon stimulation test is a sensitive test for evaluating adrenal function and is not associated with hypoglycemia and, therefore, provides an alternative to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in evaluating central
hypoadrenalism. In this test, glucagon at 0.03 mg/kg (maximum 1 mg) is given subcutaneously.
If there was subclinical
hypoadrenalism, this approach would allow gradual improvement of native adrenal function if possible.
The symptoms of a crisis are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, similar to those of acute
hypoadrenalism. Both conditions are also characterized by the development of hyponatremia and, in biochemically active AIP, cortisol levels have been reported to be reduced; thus the diagnosis maybe challenging.
In total, central diabetes insipidus was found in eight patients (80%), secondary gonadal hormone deficiency was observed in five patients (50%), secondary
hypoadrenalism was observed in three patients (30%), secondary hypothyroidism was observed in two patients (20%), and growth hormone deficiency was observed in one patient (10%).
For example, the chapter on endocrine disorders has articles on diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, Grave's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and
hypoadrenalism. In total, over 400 separate medical conditions are covered.
Subtle clinical features such as loss of appetite, fatigue and hypotension with normal pulse rate and without any symptom of orthostatic hypotension or hyperpigmentation should raise suspicion of
hypoadrenalism. In the background of snake bite such a presentation should raise the suspicion of hypopituitarism.
A meeting was arranged in Arthur's home city of Liverpool but unfortunately Brian ended up in Llandough Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare condition known as
Hypoadrenalism, and Brian and his wife Jacqueline's trip to Liverpool was put on hold.