Congenital hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase deficiency type I in a Portuguese patient - Case report and review of literature

SUMMARY Hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase (AS) deficiency is a rare condition typically presenting as salt-wasting syndrome in the neonatal period. A one-month-old Portuguese boy born to non-consanguineous parents was examined for feeding difficulties and poor weight gain. A laboratory workup revealed severe hyponatremia, hyperkaliaemia and high plasma renin with unappropriated normal plasma aldosterone levels, raising the suspicion of AS deficiency. Genetic analysis showed double homozygous of two different mutations in the CYP11B2 gene: p.Glu198Asp in exon 3 and p.Val386Ala in exon 7. The patient maintains regular follow-up visits in endocrinology clinics and has demonstrated a favourable clinical and laboratory response to mineralocorticoid therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first Portuguese case of AS deficiency reported with confirmed genetic analysis.

Use of fludrocortisone for intradialytic hypotension

Intradialytic hypotension during dialysis adversely affects a patient's prognosis and increases mortality. We report a case in which intradialytic hypotension that persisted after the administration of midodrine was relieved after the use of fludrocortisone. Administration of 0.2 mg of fludrocortisone occurred 30 minutes before dialysis. We compared 45 sessions of dialysis without fludrocortisone administration and 45 sessions of dialysis with fludrocortisone administration in one patient. The number of times in which systolic blood pressure became lower than 80 mmHg and the number of early terminations of dialysis due to a decrease in systolic blood pressure were higher in the sessions without fludrocortisone administration than in the sessions with fludrocortisone administration (P < 0.05). Fludrocortisone may be helpful for the treatment of intradialytic hypotension that does not respond to midodrine administration.

Characteristics of Korean Patients with Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: A Registry-Based Nationwide Survey in Korea

BACKGROUND: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition. There are few Korean studies on PAI, and most have had small sample sizes. We aimed to examine the etiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and mortality of PAI in Korean patients. METHODS: A nationwide, multicenter, registry-based survey was conducted to identify adults diagnosed with or treated for PAI at 30 secondary or tertiary care institutions in Korea between 2000 and 2014. RESULTS: A total of 269 patients with PAI were identified. The prevalence of PAI was 4.17 per million. The estimated incidence was 0.45 per million per year. The mean age at diagnosis was 49.0 years, and PAI was more prevalent in men. Adrenal tuberculosis was the most common cause of PAI in patients diagnosed before 2000; for those diagnosed thereafter, adrenal metastasis and tuberculosis were comparable leading causes. The etiology of PAI was not identified in 34.9% of cases. Of the patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement therapy, prednisolone was more frequently administered than hydrocortisone (69.4% vs. 26.5%, respectively), and only 27.1% of all patients received fludrocortisone. We observed an increased prevalence of metabolic disease and osteoporosis during the follow-up period (median, 60.2 months). The observed overall mortality and disease-specific mortality rates were 11.9% and 3.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PAI is significantly lower in Koreans than in reports from Western countries. The high frequency undetermined etiology in patients with PAI suggests the need to reveal accurate etiology of PAI in Korea.

Two cases of Antley-Bixler syndrome caused by mutations in different genes, FGFR2 and POR

Antley-Bixler syndrome (ABS) is a rare form of syndromic craniosynostosis with additional systemic synostosis, including radiohumeral or radioulnar synostosis. Another characteristic feature of ABS is mid-facial hypoplasia that leads to airway narrowing after birth. ABS is associated with mutations in the FGFR2 and POR genes. Patients with POR mutations present with either skeletal manifestations or congenital adrenal hyperplasia with ambiguous genitalia. We report here two cases of ABS caused by mutations in FGFR2 and POR. Although the patients had craniosynostosis and radiohumeral synostosis in common and cranioplasty was performed in both cases, the male with POR mutations showed an elevated level of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone during newborn screening and was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia by adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation. This patient has been treated with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. He had no ambiguous genitalia but had bilateral cryptorchidism. On the other hand, the female with the FGFR2 mutation showed severe clinical manifestations: upper airway narrowing leading to tracheostomy, kyphosis of the cervical spine, and coccyx deformity. ABS shows locus heterogeneity, and mutations in two different genes can cause similar craniofacial and skeletal phenotypes. Because the long-term outcomes and inheritance patterns of the disease differ markedly, depending on the causative mutation, early molecular genetic testing is helpful.

Acidose tubular renal tipo IV no pronto atendimento / Renal tubular acidosis type IV in emergency medical services

No Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto, uma paciente com diabetes melito tipo 2, apresentando quadro de acidose metabólica, foi tratada na emergência da clínica médica. Foi seguido inicialmente protocolo de cetoacidose diabética. Após um dia sem melhora clínica, com a hipótese diagnóstica de acidose tubular renal tipo IV, confirmada pela acidose metabólica hipercalêmica e hiperclorêmica, foi optado por introduzir fludrocortisona no tratamento. Devido à melhora clínica e laboratorial fechou-se o diagnóstico e a paciente encontra-se em acompanhamento no ambulatório.

At the Hospital de Base hospital in São José do Rio Preto, a type II diabetic patient presenting metabolic acidosis was treated at the internal medicine ER. Initially the diabetic ketoacidosis treatment protocol was followed. Due to no improvement after one day of treatment, the diagnostic hypothesis of renal tubular acidosis type IV was confirmed by the hyperkalemic and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. We treated the patient with fludrocortisone. Due to clinical recovery and improvement of laboratory results, the patient was discharged and is now an outpatient in our institution.

Cerebral salt wasting: a report of three cases

Hyponatremia secondary to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone [SIADH] secretion is commonly observed in patients with various neurological disorders. Cerebral Salt Wasting [CSW] resulting in hyponatremia is also an infrequent occurrence in some patients with neurological disorders. Confusion in differentiating CSW from SIADH may arise since both results in similar electrolyte disturbances. Herein, we report three cases of CSW with intracranial afflictions. CSW was diagnosed on the basis of fractional excretion of urinary sodium and uric acid along with extremely low serum uric acid. Improvements in serum sodium levels after saline hydration and fludrocortisone administration further supported the diagnosis

Orthostatic Hypotension: Mechanisms, Causes, Management

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) occurs when mechanisms for the regulation of orthostatic BP control fails. Such regulation depends on the baroreflexes, normal blood volume, and defenses against excessive venous pooling. OH is common in the elderly and is associated with an increase in mortality rate. There are many causes of OH. Aging coupled with diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease results in a prevalence of 10-30% in the elderly. These conditions cause baroreflex failure with resulting combination of OH, supine hypertension, and loss of diurnal variation of BP. The treatment of OH is imperfect since it is impossible to normalize standing BP without generating excessive supine hypertension. The practical goal is to improve standing BP so as to minimize symptoms and to improve standing time in order to be able to undertake orthostatic activities of daily living, without excessive supine hypertension. It is possible to achieve these goals with a combination of fludrocortisone, a pressor agent (midodrine or droxidopa), supplemented with procedures to improve orthostatic defenses during periods of increased orthostatic stress. Such procedures include water bolus treatment and physical countermaneuvers. We provide a pragmatic guide on patient education and the patient-orientated approach to the moment to moment management of OH.

Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adolescents: 3 case reports

Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS) is a rare disease characterized by a extracellular volume depletion and hyponatremia induced by marked natriuresis. It is mainly reported in patients who experience a central nervous system insult, such as cerebral hemorrhage or encephalitis. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is a main cause of severe hyponatremia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, whereas CSWS is rarely reported. We report 3 patients with childhood acute leukemia who developed CSWS with central nervous system complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The diagnosis of CSW was made on the basis of severe hyponatremia accompanied by increased urine output with clinical signs of dehydration. All patients showed elevated natriuretic peptide and normal antidiuretic hormone. Aggressive water and sodium replacement treatment was instituted in all 3 patients and 2 of them were effectively recovered, the other one was required to add fludrocortisone administration.

Management of a 25-day-old Male Presenting with a First Episode of Acute Pyelonephritis, and Persistent Hyperkalemia with Normal Serum Aldosterone

Hyperkalemia is often detected in young infants, particularly in association with acute pyelonephritis or a urinary tract anomaly. Cases of hyperkalemia in this population may also be due to transient pseudohypoaldosteronism, or immaturity of renal tubules in handling potassium excretion. Symptoms of hyperkalemia are non-specific, but are predominantly related to skeletal or cardiac muscle dysfunction, and can be fatal. Therefore, treatment has to be initiated immediately. Administration of fludrocortisone for hyperkalemia is appropriate in cases with hypoaldosteronism, but is challenging in young infants with hyperkalemia due to renal tubular immaturity, without pseudohypoaldosteronism. We report the case of a 25-day-old male presenting with persistent hyperkalemia with normal serum aldosterone, who was admitted with a first episode of pyelonephritis and unilateral high-grade vesicoureteral reflux. The patient was treated successfully with fludrocortisone.

Mineralocorticoid replacement during infancy for salt wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

OBJECTIVE: The protocols for glucocorticoid replacement in children with salt wasting 21-hydroxylase deficiency are well established; however, the current recommendation for mineralocorticoid replacement is general and suggests individualized dose adjustments. This study aims to retrospectively review the 9-∝-fludrocortisone dose regimen in salt wasting 21-hydroxylase deficient children who have been adequately treated during infancy. METHODS: Twenty-three salt wasting 21-hydroxylase deficient patients with good anthropometric and hormonal control were followed in our center since diagnosis. The assessments of cortisone acetate and 9-∝-fludrocortisone doses, anthropometric parameters, and biochemical and hormonal levels were rigorously evaluated in pre-determined intervals from diagnosis to two years of age. RESULTS: The 9-∝-fludrocortisone doses decreased over time during the first and second years of life; the median fludrocortisone doses were 200 µg at 0-6 months, 150 µg at 7-18 months and 125 µg at 19-24 months. The cortisone acetate dose per square meter was stable during follow-up (median = 16.8 mg/m²/day). The serum sodium, potassium and plasma rennin activity levels during treatment were normal, except in the first month of life, when periodic 9-∝-fludrocortisone dose adjustments were made. CONCLUSIONS: The mineralocorticoid needs of salt wasting 21-hydroxylase deficient patients are greater during early infancy and progressively decrease during the first two years of life, which confirms that a partial aldosterone resistance exists during this time. Our study proposes a safety regiment for mineralocorticoid replacement during this critical developmental period.

Central precocious puberty in a patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita is caused by the mutation of DAX-1 gene (dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1), and can occur as part of a contiguous gene deletion syndrome in association with glycerol kinase (GK) deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and X-linked interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein-like 1 (IL1RAPL1) gene deficiency. It is usually associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, although in rare cases, it has been reported to occur in normal puberty or even central precocious puberty. This study addresses a case in which central precocious puberty developed in a boy with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita who had complete deletion of the genes DAX-1, GK and IL1RAPL1 (Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome). Initially he was admitted for the management of adrenal crisis at the age of 2 months, and managed with hydrocortisone and florinef. At 45 months of age, his each testicular volumes of 4 mL and a penile length of 5 cm were noted, with pubic hair of Tanner stage 2. His bone age was advanced and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test showed a luteinizing hormone peak of 8.26 IU/L, confirming central precocious puberty. He was then treated with a GnRH agonist, as well as steroid replacement therapy. In Korea, this is the first case of central precocious puberty developed in a male patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita.

Central precocious puberty in a patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita and Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita is caused by the mutation of DAX-1 gene (dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1), and can occur as part of a contiguous gene deletion syndrome in association with glycerol kinase (GK) deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and X-linked interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein-like 1 (IL1RAPL1) gene deficiency. It is usually associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, although in rare cases, it has been reported to occur in normal puberty or even central precocious puberty. This study addresses a case in which central precocious puberty developed in a boy with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita who had complete deletion of the genes DAX-1, GK and IL1RAPL1 (Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome). Initially he was admitted for the management of adrenal crisis at the age of 2 months, and managed with hydrocortisone and florinef. At 45 months of age, his each testicular volumes of 4 mL and a penile length of 5 cm were noted, with pubic hair of Tanner stage 2. His bone age was advanced and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test showed a luteinizing hormone peak of 8.26 IU/L, confirming central precocious puberty. He was then treated with a GnRH agonist, as well as steroid replacement therapy. In Korea, this is the first case of central precocious puberty developed in a male patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita.

Taquicardia postural ortostática en 15 pacientes: disautonomía compleja / Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): Report of 15 cases

Background: Patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) report dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and fatigue upon standing. The diagnosis of the syndrome is made when an orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia appear in the standing position. Aim: To report 15 patients with POTS. Material and Methods: Review of Tilt test reports in a period of 15 years. Those reports in which orthostatic postural tachycardia and symptoms compatible with POTS appeared, were selected for analysis. Results: We identified 15 patients (3.1% of all positive Tilt test reports) with compatible signs and symptoms. There was a lag of 8 -10 years between the onset of symptoms and the time of diagnosis. Most patients complained of orthostatic intolerance, dizziness and frequent fainting. Orthostatic tachycardia and symptoms occurred on average after 2.9 and 6.1 minutes, respectively,of staying in the standing position. These patients had a high frequency of family history of syncope orpresyncope (66% frequency) and hyper mobility syndrome (53% prevalence). Only 33% of the patients reported relief of their symptoms after being treated (most of them with fludrocortisone). Most patients that reported little or no relief, did not use medications or were treated for a short period. Conclusions: POTS syndrome is uncommon but disturbs quality of life of those who suffer it. Its association with hyper mobility syndromes must be investigated.

Manifestation of Giant Bilateral Symptomatic Adrenal Myelolipomas in an Adult Patient with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Adrenal myelolipoma is an uncommon non-functioning tumor that is composed of variable amounts of mature adipose tissue and scattered islands of hematopoietic elements, including erythroid, myeloid, lymphoid series, and megakaryocytes. Adrenal myelolipoma should be differentiated from other fat-containing adrenal masses, such as teratoma, lipoma, and liposarcoma. This case report describes a 50-year-old adult who was raised as a male and developed giant adrenal myelolipomas that presented as symptomatic adrenal masses, and which were misdiagnosed as liposarcoma on radiologic examination. The patient had been raised as a male despite ambiguous genitalia, and a thorough investigation was never carried out because of his poor socioeconomic status. Physical examination showed profound short stature (<-3.0 standard deviation score), hyperpigmentation, and a micropenis without palpable gonads. Both a uterus and ovaries were evident in the pelvic cavity on abdominopelvic computed tomography. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests confirmed adrenal insufficiency. Steroid replacement therapy was initiated before bilateral adrenalectomy and the histologic findings indicated myelolipoma. The patient's karyotype was 46, XX and mutation analysis of the CYP21A2 gene identified compound heterozygosity consisting of p.I173N and p.Q319*. The patient was treated with once-daily 0.5 mg dexamethasone and once-daily 0.1 mg fludrocortisone. Because the subject had been raised as a male, additional procedures such as an oophorohysterectomy are currently under consideration. We here describe an adrenal myelolipoma in this case that was complicated by a 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We conclude from our analysis that patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia should be screened for incidental adrenal masses to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Cerebral Salt Wasting Treated with Fludrocortisone in a 17-Year-Old Boy

Cerebral salt wasting is characterized by inappropriate natriuresis and volume contraction with associated cerebral pathology. It is distinct from the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, which is characterized by inappropriate retention of free water. We report a patient with a porencephalic cyst who developed cerebral salt wasting. His initial treatment was supplementation of water and salt, which did not improve natriuresis or volume contraction. Fludrocortisone administration effectively managed the cerebral salt wasting.

bulking agent may lead to adrenal insufficiency crisis: a case report

Adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening disorder which must be treated with glucocorticoid replacement and needs permanent dose adjustment during patient's different somatic situations. Insufficient glucocorticoid doses result in adrenal crisis and must be treated with intravenous hydrocortisone. The patient was known with Adrenal insufficiency and was treated optimally with fludrocortisone and prednisolone since seven years with no history of adrenal crisis. The patient was admitted with abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue and nausea developed 3-4 days after taking psyllium, a bulking agent, prescribed by a surgeon to diagnose anal fissure. Detailed medical history, physical examinations, laboratory and imaging examinations did not approve any other cause of adrenal crisis. Psyllium may interfere with gastrointestinal absorption of prednisolone and/or fludrocortisone and trigger acute adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency

Spontaneous Bilateral Renal Rupture in an End-stage Renal Disease Patient Treated with Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Bilateral spontaneous renal rupture is a rare event that has been documented in only a few reports. We report a spontaneous, but not simultaneous rupture of both kidneys in a 64-year-old man with end-stage renal disease who had been treated with hemodialysis for 78 months. He complained of sudden left flank pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a huge perirenal hematoma with multiple renal cysts. The patient underwent an urgent left nephrectomy and was diagnosed as multiple acquired renal cysts with rupture and focal incidental papillary renal cell carcinoma. Twenty-two days after the left nephrectomy, he complained of sudden right flank pain and abdominal CT showed another massive perirenal hematoma. The patient underwent a right nephrectomy and was diagnosed as renal cyst rupture with perirenal hemorrhage. However, there was no evidence of renal cell carcinoma in the right kidney. Postural hypotension and frequent hypotensive episodes developed during hemodialysis several months after both nephrectomies. He was diagnosed as primary adrenal insufficiency with rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and the level of plasma ACTH and was treated with prednisolone and fludrocortisone. The patient died of acute myocardial infarction 32 months after bilateral nephrectomies.

Identification of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in adrenal glands biopsies of two patients with paracoccidioidomycosis and adrenal insufficiency / Identificação do Paracoccidioides brasiliensis nas amostras de glândulas adrenais de dois doentes com paracoccidioidomicose e insuficiência adrenal

The authors report two cases of adrenal insufficiency secondary to infiltration of the adrenal glands by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The first patient had been treated for a chronic multifocal form of paracoccidiodomycosis 11 years ago. The diagnosis of the mycosis was done simultaneous with that of the adrenal insufficiency in the second patient. In both patients the diagnosis was done by direct visualization of fungus in adrenal biopsies. They were treated with hormonal supplements and itraconazol by 12 and six months, without relapses during the follow-up period.

Os autores apresentam dois casos de insuficiência supra-renal secundária à infiltração das adrenais pelo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. O primeiro paciente tinha sido tratado de paracoccidioidomicose crônica multifocal 11 anos atrás. No segundo paciente, o diagnóstico da micose foi feito de forma simultânea com o da insuficiência adrenal. Em ambos os pacientes, o diagnóstico foi feito pela visualização direta do fungo nas biopsias adrenais. Eles foram tratados com suplementos hormonais com itraconazol por seis a 12 meses, sem recaídas durante o período de acompanhamento.

Congenital hypoaldosteronism.

Congenital hypoaldosteronism due to an isolated aldosterone biosynthesis defect is rare. We report a 4 month old female infant who presented with failure to thrive, persistent hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Investigations revealed normal serum 17 hydroxy progesterone and cortisol. A decreased serum aldosterone and serum 18 hydroxy corticosterone levels with a low 18 hydroxy corticosterone: aldosterone ratio was suggestive of corticosterone methyl oxidase type I deficiency. She was started on fludrocortisone replacement therapy with a subsequent normalization of electrolytes. Further molecular analysis is needed to ascertain the precise nature of the mutation.