Endocrinology & Metabolic Syndrome
Open Access

Abstract

A Case of Primary Adrenal Tuberculosis - A Diagnostic Quandary

Nakaoka K, Branch J, Yamaguchi M, Ozeki T, Hazi Y, Tomino T, Shimizu H and Fujita Y

Addison?s disease refers to a chronic endocrine disorder characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency. The disease can occur due to various causes including autoimmune disease, infection, tumor and vascular disease. In the past, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection was a major cause of adrenal failure and was associated primarily with early co-pulmonary infection. In the present era however, Addison?s disease secondary to primary adrenal TB infection is somewhat rare. We describe a patient who was admitted to our hospital and was diagnosed with Addison?s disease secondary to TB proven only following laparoscopic adrenalectomy.