SUN-170 Adrenal Insufficiency Due to Adrenal Hemorrhage

Abstract

Introduction: Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) can involve multiple organ systems but endocrine manifestations are rare. In most cases adrenal insufficiency (AI) is the first endocrine manifestation of APS. The prompt diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is critical. We present a case of AI associated with antiphospholipid syndrome who was managed successfully. Case presentation: A 50-year-old man was admitted with deep venous thrombosis of the distal left femoral vein extending to the popliteal vein and was started on xarelto, but he developed pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea in 48 hours. CT scan confirmed a pulmonary embolism and patient was treated with heparin drip. Two days following heparin drip patient developed acute bilateral flank pain and hypotension; and CT abdomen showed 2 masses replacing the adrenal glands that were concerning for hematomas. Laboratory results: serum potassium 4.9 mmol/L, serum cortisol 3.3 mcg/dL (reference 7.2–19.4), ACTH level 319 pg/mL (reference 7–53), aldosterone <1.0 ng/dL (reference 0.0–3.0), and plasma renin activity 7.17 ng/ml/hr (reference, 0.15–3.95). Serum antiphospholipid antibody testing showed cardiolipin Ab Ig 140 GPL/mL (reference 0–14), cardiolipin Ab IgM 100 MPL/mL (reference 0–12) and cardiolipin Ab IgA >150 APL/mL (reference 0–11). Further testing showed beta-2 glycoprotein 1 Ab IgG 103 GPI units (reference 1–20), IgM 94 GPI units (reference 0–32), and IgA 150 GPI units (reference 0–25). His hypotension dramatically improved upon administration of IV hydrocortisone and the abdominal pain resolved in 3 days. Upon discharge he was placed on hydrocortisone and continued warfarin therapy. At a 6-week follow-up visit, patient was asymptomatic. Additional lab tests revealed normal plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels. Two years later an ACTH stimulation test confirmed persistent AI. Basal plasma ACTH level was 230 pg/mL (ref 5–50). Additionally plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels indicated no mineralocorticoid deficiency. An adrenal CT scan revealed significant long-term interval decrease in size of bilateral adrenals with hypo-attenuating focus in the right adrenal gland, favored to represent post hemorrhage changes without convincing evidence of underlying neoplasm especially given decrease in size compared to 4-years prior. Presently, patient is doing well on hydrocortisone and warfarin treatment. Conclusion: In all cases of adrenal hemorrhage and infarction with unknown etiology, screening with lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies is imperative. Recognition of this high mortality condition will allow for appropriate screening and confirmatory tests leading to prompt diagnosis and timely management.