A Case of Psychosis in a Patient with Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A Possible Etiological Role of a Hypocortisolemic-induced Increase in Proinflammatory Cytokines.
Year: 2017
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Adrenal insufficiency is divided into three types based on the etiology of its development. In primary adrenal insufficiency, pathology resides in end-organ failure at the level of the adrenal cortex, while in secondary and tertiary adrenal insufficiency, impairment rests in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, respectively. Regardless of etiology, adrenal insufficiency results in a hypocortisolemic condition. While the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially psychosis, and hypercortisolemia has been extensively documented, the development of hypocortisolemia-induced psychosis is less common. We present a case of secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by a pituitary tumor. During the course of evaluation and treatment, the patient developed a psychotic episode. We will briefly review the condition of adrenal insufficiency and propose how hypocortisolemia can result in psychosis.
Source: PubMed
Authors: David R Spiegel, Aaron B Nelson, David C Lieb, Alexander M Pattison, Justin Smith, Patrice Zigrossi, Erin Godbout
Institution: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2988661013