Addison's disease physical examination: Difference between revisions
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* [[Confusion]] may be present | * [[Confusion]] may be present | ||
* [[Seizures]] may be present. | * [[Seizures]] may be present. | ||
Because the symptoms progress slowly, they are usually ignored until a stressful event like an illness or an accident causes them to become worse. This is called an addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. In most cases, symptoms are severe enough that patients seek medical treatment before a crisis occurs. However, in about 25 percent of patients, symptoms first appear during an addisonian crisis. | Because the symptoms progress slowly, they are usually ignored until a stressful event like an illness or an accident causes them to become worse. This is called an addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. In most cases, symptoms are severe enough that patients seek medical treatment before a crisis occurs. However, in about 25 percent of patients, symptoms first appear during an addisonian crisis. | ||
=== Addisonian crisis === | === Addisonian crisis === | ||
An "Addisonian crisis" or "adrenal crisis" is a constellation of symptoms that indicate severe adrenal insufficiency. This may be the result of either previously undiagnosed Addison's disease, a disease process suddenly affecting adrenal function (such as [[adrenal hemorrhage]]), or an intercurrent problem (e.g. infection, trauma) in the setting of known Addison's disease. Additionally, this situation may develop in those on long-term oral [[glucocorticoid]]s who have suddenly ceased taking their medication. It is also a concern in the setting of [[myxedema coma]]; [[thyroxine]] given in that setting without [[glucocorticoid]]s may precipitate a crisis. | An "Addisonian crisis" or "adrenal crisis" is a constellation of symptoms that indicate severe adrenal insufficiency. This may be the result of either previously undiagnosed Addison's disease, a disease process suddenly affecting adrenal function (such as [[adrenal hemorrhage]]), or an intercurrent problem (e.g. [[infection]], [[trauma]]) in the setting of known Addison's disease. Additionally, this situation may develop in those on long-term oral [[glucocorticoid]]s who have suddenly ceased taking their medication. It is also a concern in the setting of [[myxedema coma]]; [[thyroxine]] given in that setting without [[glucocorticoid]]s may precipitate a crisis. | ||
Untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. It is a [[medical emergency]], usually requiring hospitalization. Characteristic symptoms are:<ref>[http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.htm#symptoms Addison's Disease] National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Retrieved on 26 October, 2007.</ref> | Untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. It is a [[medical emergency]], usually requiring hospitalization. Characteristic symptoms are:<ref>[http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.htm#symptoms Addison's Disease] National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Retrieved on 26 October, 2007.</ref> | ||
Revision as of 14:41, 12 August 2012
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Addison's disease Microchapters |
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Addison's disease physical examination On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Addison's disease physical examination |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Addison's disease physical examination |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Physical Examination
Appearance
The patient may be dehydrated and lethargic.
Vitals
Blood Pressure
Skin
- Pigmented skin and mucous membranes - darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin, including areas not exposed to the sun; characteristic sites are skin creases (e.g. of the hands), nipples, and the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa), also old scars may darken.
- Vitiligo may be present.
- Absence of axillary and pubic hair in females as a result of loss of adrenal androgens.
- Pallor may be present.
Neck
- Goiter may be present.
Extremities
Neurologic
Because the symptoms progress slowly, they are usually ignored until a stressful event like an illness or an accident causes them to become worse. This is called an addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. In most cases, symptoms are severe enough that patients seek medical treatment before a crisis occurs. However, in about 25 percent of patients, symptoms first appear during an addisonian crisis.
Addisonian crisis
An "Addisonian crisis" or "adrenal crisis" is a constellation of symptoms that indicate severe adrenal insufficiency. This may be the result of either previously undiagnosed Addison's disease, a disease process suddenly affecting adrenal function (such as adrenal hemorrhage), or an intercurrent problem (e.g. infection, trauma) in the setting of known Addison's disease. Additionally, this situation may develop in those on long-term oral glucocorticoids who have suddenly ceased taking their medication. It is also a concern in the setting of myxedema coma; thyroxine given in that setting without glucocorticoids may precipitate a crisis.
Untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. It is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization. Characteristic symptoms are:[1]
- Sudden penetrating pain in the legs, lower back or abdomen
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness/Syncope
- Hypoglycemia
- Confusion, psychosis
- Convulsions
References
- ↑ Addison's Disease National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Retrieved on 26 October, 2007.