Adrenal Histoplasmosis: An Uncommon Cause of Adrenal Crisis in an Immunocompetent Man

Abstract

Background Histoplasmosis is a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal involvement is commonly encountered with disseminated disease in immunocompromised individuals though some have been reported in immunocompetent patients. Primary adrenal histoplasmosis where adrenals are the only organs with demonstrable disease is uncommon.

Case Presentation A 33-year-old immunocompetent man presented with an adrenal crisis. Further evaluation of the underling etiology of primary adrenal insufficiency revealed bilateral adrenal enlargement that was confirmed to be histoplasmosis on adrenal biopsy.

Conclusion The case highlights the importance of considering histoplasmosis as an underlying cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in patients from high endemic areas.

Keywords

adrenal insufficiency - bilateral adrenal enlargement - histoplasmosis - adrenalitis - adrenal crisis

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical approval obtained from Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee with approval number: MF2058–2021–788. Consent to participate was obtained.

Consent for Publication

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.

Financial Support and Sponsorship

None.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 June 2022

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