A case of adrenal mass causing adrenal insufficiency: Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis, the prevalence of which has continued to decline in developed countries, is still one of the reasons of adrenal insufficiency. In this report, we aimed to present a case of adrenal and miliary tuberculosis presenting with adrenal insufficiency. A 71-year-old woman with a history of unilateral adrenalectomy was admitted with the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. In her further medical investigations, the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency was established and a mass presenting as involvement of tuberculosis was detected in the adrenal gland. Bilateral pulmonary nodules compatible with miliary tuberculosis were observed. After anti-tuberculosis treatment, pulmonary nodules disappeared, but there was no significant decrease in the size of the adrenal mass. The patient, who underwent adrenalectomy, was followed with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid treatment. Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands is a common cause of adrenal insufficiency in developing countries. Tuberculosis can destroy the adrenal glands and the diagnosis of adrenal tuberculosis, especially presenting with enlargement of the adrenal glands, can be difficult.