Primary adrenal insufficiency in adults: When to suspect, how to diagnose and manage

Michelle D Lundholm; Jayachidambaram Ambalavanan; Pratibha Pr Rao

doi:10.3949/ccjm.91a.23072

Primary adrenal insufficiency in adults: When to suspect, how to diagnose and manage

Cleve Clin J Med. 2024 Sep 3;91(9):553-562. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.91a.23072.

Authors

Michelle D Lundholm¹, Jayachidambaram Ambalavanan², Pratibha Pr Rao³

Affiliations

¹ Associate Staff, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH [email protected].
² Adult Endocrinologist, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Maine Medical Center, Maine Health, Sarborough, ME.
³ Medical Director Adrenal Center, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Clinical Assistant Professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.

PMID: 39227085
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.91a.23072

Abstract

Primary adrenal insufficiency is rare but serious; it puts patients at risk of acute decompensation and adrenal crisis due to insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production. Further, its diagnosis is often delayed, or it is mistaken for secondary adrenal insufficiency, which can have life-threatening consequences. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can greatly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Addison Disease* / complications
Addison Disease* / diagnosis
Adrenal Insufficiency / diagnosis
Adult
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Hydrocortisone / blood

Substances

Hydrocortisone