A Case of Unilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Presenting as Acute Abdominal Pain

Abstract

A 75-year-old male presented with productive cough; unintentional weight loss and constitutional symptoms since 1 month and was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. He was then started on appropriate antitubercular therapy. During his hospitalization, he developed acute abdominal pain. Laboratory testing was consistent with acute adrenal insufficiency and was diagnosed to be acute adrenal insufficiency secondary to unilateral hemorrhage on a computerized tomography scan. He was treated with corticosteroids and had recovery of adrenal function. Through this case, we wish to illustrate the importance of recognizing early this rare but potentially life threatening complication of pulmonary tuberculosis.




J Med Cases. 2013;4(1):9-11
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc850w