Adrenal Tuberculosis Leading to Acute Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is the ‘world’s largest killer’ amongst infectious diseases overtaking HIV in 2014. Tuberculosis can affect the kidneys and adrenals as either primary infection or secondary dissemination from other organs. Tuberculosis in adrenals manifests in the acute phase leading to primary adrenal insufficiency, which is generally catastrophic leading to death. Case Report: We present an unusual case of a 42 years’ old man, presented & managed as a case of acute gastroenteritis. Patient had a fulminant course and succumbed to his illness. Autopsy revealed Bilateral Adrenal Tuberculosis. Conclusion: Adrenal tuberculosis has the potential of causing acute adrenal deficiency leading to Addisonian crisis and consequent mortality. Key words: Adrenal tuberculosis, Addisonian crisis, acute adrenal insufficiency.