We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Acute adrenal insufficiency following arthroplasty: a case report and review of the literature.
- Authors
Mandanas, Stylianos; Boudina, Maria; Chrisoulidou, Alexandra; Xinou, Katerina; Margaritidou, Efterpi; Gerou, Spyros; Pazaitou-Panayiotou, Kalliopi
- Abstract
Background: Acute adrenal insufficiency is a potentially lethal condition rarely caused by bilateral adrenal haemorrhage due to heparin use. Most of the times, it is difficult to establish the diagnosis, as symptoms are not specific. Few cases have been reported in the literature. Case presentation: A 52-year-old Caucasian woman presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and weakness nine days after arthroplasty and heparin use. Hyperkalemia, low cortisol and high adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were found, indicating adrenal insufficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen was compatible with preceding adrenal haemorrhage. Hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone were administered. Review of the literature revealed 36 cases of postoperative adrenal haemorrhage which are presented briefly. Conclusion: Postoperative acute adrenal insufficiency due to haemorrhage is a rare condition. If patients are treated based on clinical suspicion, they have good chances to survive. Hydrocortisone is given permanently in the majority of the patients.
- Subjects
ADRENAL insufficiency; ARTHROPLASTY; HEPARIN; MAGNETIC resonance imaging; HYDROCORTISONE; HEMORRHAGE
- Publication
BMC Research Notes, 2013, Vol 6, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1756-0500
- Publication type
Case Study
- DOI
10.1186/1756-0500-6-370