PSAT038 A Case of Spontaneous Atraumatic Unilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage

Abstract

Abstract Background Adrenal hemorrhage is a rare disorder with an incidence of 0.1 to 1% for which a cause is identified in most cases. It is usually classified as traumatic or atraumatic, unilateral or bilateral and can result in serious consequences such as adrenal crisis and death if not diagnosed and treated properly. We describe a patient with an atraumatic unilateral adrenal hemorrhage without a known coagulopathy Case presentation: A 51-year-old man with history of COPD and Reynaud's phenomenon presented to the hospital for severe right upper quadrant pain. CT of the abdomen demonstrated a right adrenal hemorrhage of 5.2×4.0×2.6 cm in size, for which Endocrinology was consulted. The patient denied recent trauma or anticoagulation use. Physical examination exhibited generalized abdominal tenderness, without hypotension, or symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency. Biochemical evaluation showed an AM Cortisol level of 14.3 ug/dL (4.2 - 22.4 ug/dL) and ACTH 67.1 pg/mL (7.2 - 63.3 pg/mL). MRI abdomen showed a decrease in size of the hemorrhage measuring 3.1×1.7×5.2 cm. He was referred to Hematology/Oncology to evaluate for coagulopathy which was unrevealing. About one month from hospital discharge, the patient reported voice hoarseness and was diagnosed with moderately differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of larynx. Ten months later PET-CT scan showed hypermetabolic laryngeal mass with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy without evidence of adrenal gland metastasis with resolution of adrenal hemorrhage, indicative that the hemorrhagic episode is unrelated to this newly diagnosed malignancy. Discussion Adrenal hemorrhage is a rare disorder that overall is associated with a 10-20% mortality rate, it is usually classified as traumatic and no traumatic. Most times it is caused by secondary disorders such as trauma, surgery, anticoagulants, infections, but in rare instances is idiopathic. Clinical manifestations of adrenal hemorrhages vary depending on extension of the hemorrhage and early diagnosis is crucial for better outcomes. As per current guidelines, assessment for adrenal insufficiency including hemodynamics, biochemical evaluation and imaging is paramount. To date, clear etiology of primary adrenal hemorrhage is lacking. This case demonstrated an unusual presentation of idiopathic unilateral adrenal hemorrhage without evidence of adrenal insufficiency. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.