LQCL2403 - CMLE - Unraveling Autoimmune Addison Disease: A Case Study in Primary Adrenal Insufficiency-Unraveling Autoimmune Addison Disease: A Case Study in Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Unraveling Autoimmune Addison Disease: A Case Study in Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

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In a case study presented by NADINE LERRET, PHD, MLS, a 43-year-old man with severe dizziness and fatigue was diagnosed with autoimmune Addison disease. The patient's symptoms and laboratory findings, including low cortisol levels, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia, pointed to primary adrenal insufficiency. By performing a cosyntropin stimulation test and detecting elevated adrenal autoantibodies, the diagnosis was confirmed. The timing of cortisol measurements is crucial due to its diurnal variation, with peak levels in the early morning aiding in accurate diagnosis. Differentiating primary from secondary adrenal insufficiency is essential, with primary insufficiency confirmed by the lack of cortisol response to ACTH stimulation. The collaborative efforts of clinical and laboratory professionals were pivotal in reaching an accurate diagnosis and implementing targeted treatment, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating complex endocrine disorders. The patient was prescribed lifelong hydrocortisone replacement therapy and educated on adrenal crisis management. The diagnosis highlights the complexities of hormonal interactions, underscoring the need for tailored treatment plans and regular monitoring through laboratory tests to track hormone levels accurately.

Keywords

NADINE LERRET

Autoimmune Addison disease

Primary adrenal insufficiency

Cosyntropin stimulation test

Adrenal autoantibodies

Diurnal cortisol variation

Secondary adrenal insufficiency

ACTH stimulation

Multidisciplinary approach

Hydrocortisone replacement therapy