Medical Case: Recurrent hyponatremia and fatigue: Early adrenal insufficiency?
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Recurrent hyponatremia and fatigue: Early adrenal insufficiency? (Endocrinology)

Dr. Osama Abunada., MBBS

 

Medical Case Details:

A 58-year-old female with a history of hypertension and hypothyroidism (on amlodipine and levothyroxine) has been experiencing ongoing fatigue, dizziness upon standing, and general weakness for the past few months. She had three episodes of hyponatremia over the last two months (serum sodium levels ranging from 125 to 130 mmol/L). There were no signs of fluid loss (no vomiting or diarrhea), and she is not on diuretics. Her blood pressure is relatively low and drops further on standing (105/65 mmHg sitting, 88/58 mmHg standing). Recent labs showed a slightly low morning cortisol. Her thyroid function (TSH) is within normal range on medication. She also reported losing about 3 kg unintentionally over the past few months. Would you consider early adrenal insufficiency here? Is it reasonable to proceed with a Synacthen stimulation test now, or should we first rule out other causes like SIADH? Any input from endocrinology colleagues would be appreciated.

 


    Discussions


    Dr. Ankush Kumar
    General Practitioner

    Yes—early adrenal insufficiency is a strong possibility given chronic fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, recurrent hyponatremia, weight loss, and a low morning cortisol, and it is appropriate to proceed with a Synacthen (cosyntropin) stimulation test now while concurrently characterizing the hyponatremia; SIADH is a diagnosis of exclusion and should not be assigned until adrenal insufficiency is ruled out.

    The clinical vignett (orthostatic drop from 105/65 to 88/58 mm Hg) meets orthostaic hypotension criteria and aligns with adrenal insufficiency, which commonly presents with low blood pressure, postural dizziness, hyponatremia, fatigue, and weight loss.

    ▲ 1
    12.Sep, 06:05pm

    Dr. Zaheer Ahmad
    General Medicine Physician

    R/o SIADH

    06.Nov, 09:44am



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