Adrenal Insufficiency Secondary to Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Acute adrenal hemorrhage (adrenal apoplexy) in the context of severe sepsis is potentially life-threatening. Diagnosis of this condition is difficult to achieve without a strong sense of suspicion. The concurrent use of anticoagulants increases the risk of adrenal hemorrhage in the context of sepsis. Abdominal CT imaging is helpful in detecting hemorrhage within the adrenal gland. Once the diagnosis is considered, prompt therapy with corticosteroids can improve recovery and survival. A follow-up scan to confirm the resolution of the hematoma is useful to ensure that there is no other cause of adrenal enlargement. We report a 76-year-old lady who was hospitalized because of unexplained anemia and abdominal pain and was discovered to have bilateral pneumonia and urinary tract infection with severe hypotension not responding to standard treatments. An abdominal CT scan confirmed the presence of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. A subsequent finding of an inappropriately low serum cortisol level in the presence of physiological stress confirmed adrenal insufficiency. The patient's condition improved following corticosteroid replacement. A repeat CT scan performed 10 months following the patient's initial presentation demonstrated signs of resolution of the adrenal hematomas; however, the patient's adrenal function remained impaired.