The Evaluation of Adrenal Function in Two Cases of Hypocortisolism Accompanied by Liver Cirrhosis

Intern Med. 2016;55(7):765-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.5604. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

Abstract

Adrenal insufficiency may occur in patients with liver cirrhosis. The assessment of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal function is important in such patients, but there is no consensus as to how it should be performed. We herein report the results of our evaluation of the adrenal function in two patients with hypocortisolism accompanied by liver cirrhosis. The patients lacked the typical features of hypocortisolism. One was diagnosed with hypocortisolism accompanied by liver cirrhosis while the other had secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by a hypothalamic disorder. Hypocortisolism accompanied by liver cirrhosis should be evaluated by endocrine tests to determine its pathogenesis. A low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone test may be appropriate for non-critically ill cirrhotic patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / blood*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / complications
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / physiopathology
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / blood*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone