Hyperpigmentaion in a 50-Year-Old Male
Journal Title: Journal of Enam Meical College - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
A 50-year-old man with long standing diabetes mellitus presented with oliguria and preceding history of progressive anorexia, weakness and gradually worsening nausea and vomiting for 2 months. His blood pressure was 85/50 mm Hg. Hyperpigmentation of face (Fig 1), oral mucosa and hands (Fig 2) were noticed. Biochemical profile revealed raised creatinine (1.6 mg/dL [reference range 0.4--1.2 mg/dL]) and urea (60 mg/dL [reference range 15--45 mg/dL]), serum sodium 129 mmol/L (reference range 136--148 mmol/L), potassium 5.8 mmol/L (reference range 3.8--5.2 mmol/L) and chloride 95 mmol/L (reference range 95--107 mmol/L). Complete blood count revealed hemoglobin 13.8 gm/dL and white blood cell 10300/cu mm (neutrophils 54%, lymphocytes 33%, monocytes 3%, eosinophils 10%). Following fluid resuscitation and symptomatic treatment urine output improved and blood pressure raised up to 95/70 mm of Hg. Biochemical profile also became normal, except sodium level which was in lower limit of reference range and potassium in higher normal limit. Eosinophilia did not improve. Weakness and postural dizziness also remained same. Standing systolic blood pressure was 85 mm Hg which was 95 mm Hg in supine position and diastolic blood pressure in standing position dropped to 60 mm Hg which was 70 mm Hg in supine position. Intravenous dexamethasone was started. On the next day, morning blood for cortisol was sent which was 1.5 µg/dL (reference range 4.458--22.689 µg/dL). Short synacthen test was not done. Serum ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) was >1250 pg/mL (reference range 5.00--46.00 pg/mL). Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) was diagnosed. Laboratory investigations to exclude other causes of adrenal insufficiency were unremarkable. Following glucocorticoid and minerolocorticoid replacement, patient improved clinically. Pigmentation of face (Fig 3) and hands (Fig 4) improved 6 months after starting treatment.
Authors and Affiliations
Mohiuddin Ahmed
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP36201
- DOI https://doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v4i2.19683
- Views 278
- Downloads 0
Exclusive Breastfeeding ─ Practices, Problems and Promises
Exclusive breastfeeding is the best recommended infant feeding method for the frst six months of life and has a protective effect against child morbidity and mortality1, but the reduction in the rate of the EBF is a...
Study of Mean Diameter of Superior Cerebellar Peduncles in Bangladeshi Cadavers
Background: The neuronal organisation of the cerebellum has been studied in details by many researchers. But most of these have been performed on animals and diameter of superior cerebellar peduncle in humans remains i...
A 16-Year-Old Female with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract, with pigmentation around lips and macules on the buccal mucosa that typically manifests itself as rec...
Evaluation of Performance of the Newly Developed de Cordova's Formula for Calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol without Use of Triglycerides
Background: Various formulas are available to estimate serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. All of these are serum triglycerides (TG) dependent. But very recently de Cordova et al developed a simple formula (...
Electrolyte Disturbances in Acute Exacerbation of COPD
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbation is an acute and sustained worsening of a patient’s condition from a stable stat...