Acute adrenal crisis

Definition

Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Alternative Names

Adrenal crisis; Addisonian crisis; Acute adrenal insufficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The two adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They consist of the outer portion, called the cortex, and the inner portion, called the medulla. The cortex produces three types of hormones, all of which are called corticosteroids.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid -- a corticosteroid that:

• Helps regulate blood sugar (glucose)
• Holds back the immune response
• Is released as part of the body's response to stress

Cortisol production is regulated by a small gland just below the brain called the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland releases ACTH, a hormone that causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol is essential for life.

Adrenal crisis occurs when:

• The adrenal gland is damaged (Addison's disease, primary adrenal insufficiency)
• The pituitary gland is injured (secondary adrenal insufficiency) and it cannot release ACTH
• Adrenal insufficiency is not properly treated

Risk factors for adrenal crisis include:

• Dehydration
• Infection and other physical stress
• Injury to the adrenal or pituitary gland
• Stopping treatment with steroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone quickly or too early
• Surgery
• Trauma

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Confusion or coma
• Darkening of the skin
• Dehydration
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Flank pain
• Headache
• High fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Profound weakness
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid respiratory rate (see tachypnea)
• Shaking chills
• Skin rash or lesions
• Slow, sluggish movement
• Unintentional weight loss
• Unusual and excessive sweating on face or palms
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

• ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test
• Cortisol level
• Fasting blood sugar
• Serum potassium
• Serum sodium

Treatment

In adrenal crisis, patients need an immediate injection of hydrocortisone through a vein (intravenous) or muscle (intramuscular). You may receive intravenous fluids if you have low blood pressure.

You will need to go to the hospital for treatment and monitoring. If infection caused the crisis, you may need antibiotic therapy.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Shock may occur if treatment is not provided early, and it can be life-threatening.

Complications

• Coma
• Seizures
• Shock

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have Addison's disease and are unable to take your corticosteroid replacement medicine for any reason.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop symptoms of acute adrenal crisis.

If you have Addison's disease, you may be told to increase the dose of your corticosteroid replacement medicine if you are ill or having surgery.

Prevention

If you have Addison's disease, you should learn to recognize signs of potential stress that may cause an acute adrenal crisis. Most people with Addison's disease are taught to give themselves an emergency injection of hydrocortisone or increase their dose of oral prednisone in times of stress.

It is important to always carry a medical identification card that states the type of medication and the proper dose you need in case of an emergency.

Never miss your medications.

Also, your health care provider may advise you to always wear a MedicAlert tag. This tag lets health care professionals know about your condition in case of emergency.

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References

Stewart PM, Krone NP. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg H, Melmed S, Polonsky K, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 15.