2021•CureusOpen access

A Case of Severe Hyponatremia in a Patient With Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Sandhya Shanthosh Kumar, Vignesh Krishnan Nagesh, Jake Hunter, Ibrahim Sange

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Abstract

Primary adrenal insufficiency leads to the decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone. Patients develop an electrolyte imbalance, which can be severe and life-threatening. It is more common in women, usually between the second and fourth decades. We present the case of a 58-year-old female who was admitted due to laboratory findings of severe hyponatremia. Further workup revealed the underlying cause to be primary adrenal insufficiency. Our case report highlights that profound hyponatremia can present with minimal non-specific symptoms and the absence of any neurological manifestations. Correction of hyponatremia, treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, and water restriction in the management of this patient resulted in full clinical recovery.

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Primary adrenal insufficiency leads to the decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone. Patients develop an electrolyte imbalance, which can be severe and life-threatening. It is more common in women, usually between the second and fourth decades. We present the case of a 58-year-old female who was admitted due to laboratory findings of severe hyponatremia. Further workup revealed the underlying cause to be primary adrenal insufficiency. Our case report highlights that profound hyponatremia can present with minimal non-specific symptoms and the absence of any neurological manifestations. Correction of hyponatremia, treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, and water restriction in the management of this patient resulted in full clinical recovery.

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Available abstract

Primary adrenal insufficiency leads to the decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone. Patients develop an electrolyte imbalance, which can be severe and life-threatening. It is more common in women, usually between the second and fourth decades. We present the case of a 58-year-old female who was admitted due to laboratory findings of severe hyponatremia. Further workup revealed the underlying cause to be primary adrenal insufficiency. Our case report highlights that profound hyponatremia can present with minimal non-specific symptoms and the absence of any neurological manifestations. Correction of hyponatremia, treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, and water restriction in the management of this patient resulted in full clinical recovery.

Key concepts: Hyponatremia, Fludrocortisone, Medicine, Adrenal insufficiency, Primary Adrenal Insufficiency, Hydrocortisone, Aldosterone, Pediatrics

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