TB Research

Diagnostic Role of Tomography in Addison's Disease due to Adrenal Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Juan Eduardo Quiroz‐Aldave, María del Carmen Durand‐Vásquez, Elman Rolando Gamarra‐Osorio, Sara Elizabeth Zavaleta-Aldave, Alejandra Noemí Zavaleta-Aldave, Jorge Rodríguez-Reyna, Cyntia Mileini Quesquén-García, Luis Alberto Concepción‐Urteaga, et al. (12 authors)

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets · 2024-08

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal tuberculosis remains the main cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in tuberculosis (TB)-prevalent regions. This case report details the presentation of PAI due to adrenal TB, where the etiological diagnosis involves Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT). CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old Peruvian woman with a history of TB contact displayed symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. PAI diagnosis was established, and CT imaging unveiled bilateral adrenal enlargement with calcifications. Treatment with prednisone and anti-TB therapy led to symptomatic improvement. Unfortunately, she succumbed to pneumonia after ten months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Adrenal TB must be considered in endemic regions and in the presence of a TB history. CT serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly in settings with limited resources, revealing adrenal enlargement and calcifications. CONCLUSION: In patients with PAI, epidemiological history of TB, and when a rapid biopsy is not feasible, CT proves to be a valuable diagnostic method.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Tuberculosis
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Presentation (obstetrics)
  • Addison's disease
  • Etiology
  • Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
  • Computed tomography
  • Disease
  • Radiology
  • Abdominal computed tomography
  • Tomography