ABSTRACT
Introduction and importance: Adrenal insufficiency is a rare chronic disease with a prevalence of 39 to 60 cases per million peoples in Europe. However, the prevalence is higher in sub-saharian Africa. The occurrence of pregnancy in adrenal insufficiency is rare but associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. For this reason, the management of pregnancy in adrenal insufficiency patient must be provided by a multidisciplinary team. Case presentation: The authors report the case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman followed for adrenal insufficiency secondary to prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Treatment consisted to an obstetrical and endocrinological follow-up and corticosteroid replacement therapy with hydrocortisone. A prophylactic cesarean section at 38 weeks resulted in the birth of a newborn male weighing 3395 g. Maternal and perinatal prognosis was good. Clinical discussion: Pregnancy in adrenal insufficiency is a therepeutic challenge in developing countries. Through this case, the authors discuss the therapeutic and prognostic aspects of adrenal insufficiency in our setting. Conclusion: With the introduction of gluco-corticosteroid replacement therapy, pregnancy in adrenal insufficiency can progress normally.
ABSTRACT
Introduction and importance: Abdominal pregnancy is still seen in developing countries due to inadequate medical facilities. The clinical indicators manifest in various forms and are nonspecific, making it challenging to diagnose and often leading to delayed detection. The occurrence of an infectious complication that leads to the development of generalised acute peritonitis is rare. The author present a case of 34-year-old patient who presented with febril generalised acute peritonitis caused by an abdominal pregnancy. The result of the abdominal ultrasound and the serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) level led to initial diagnostic confusion. Case presentation: A 34-year-old primigravida with no medical or surgical history of comorbidity prior consulted in the authors' department for generalised abdominal pain in the context of fever and amenorrhoea for more than 4 months. Physical examination revealed a painful and contracted abdomen. The biological assessment showed white blood cells at 27 100/ul, the haemoglobin level at 11.8 g/dl. The serum ß-HCG level was less than 5 UI/l. The abdominal ultrasound noted a peritonitis secondary to an abscess of the appendix. Exploratory laparotmy revealed 200 ml of pus in the peritoneum and a mass in the right iliac fossa at the expense of the ovary with agglutination of the intestines loops. After adesyolysis, a single-piece excision of the mass was performed, the break-in showing a macerated foetus, a right adnexectomy and an appendectomy. The maternal outcome was good. Clinical discussion: Abdominal pregnancy remains an inadequately diagnosed condition in developing countries. This case reminds clinicians that abdominal pregnancy remains a differential diagnosis of all abdominal pain in a woman of childbearing age including when the serum ß-HCG level was less than 5 UI/l. Conclusion: It is imperative to increase awareness among pregnant women about high-quality prenatal care, including early obstetric ultrasound, from conception. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals should receive continuous training and the technical platform modernised.
