Article Text
Abstract
Disseminated histoplasmosis, with the adrenal glands as being the only site of demonstrable disease in an immunocompetent adult, is a rare infection leading to adrenal insufficiency. This disease carries high mortality when unrecognised. We describe the first reported case of adrenal histoplasmosis in the Philippines in a 72-year-old immunocompetent, Filipino man who presented with a 3-month history of intermittent flank pain, weight loss and generalised weakness. His imaging demonstrated bilateral adrenal masses on ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT scan. The initial impression was adrenal cancer, however, fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed the presence of yeast cells and blood culture grew Histoplasma capsulatum. The diagnosis of the case represents a diagnostic challenge in immunocompetent individuals because they manifest with non-specific symptoms. A heightened suspicion is therefore needed to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.
- adrenal disorders
- tropical medicine (infectious disease)
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Footnotes
Contributors MCAR, MASS, MSS, PJM, NPC, SSB: involved in the multidisciplinary care of patient; conceptualised, acquired, analysed the data; drafted, revised, finalised the case report; agreed to be accountable for the article and ensured that all questions regarding the accuracy or integrity of the article are investigated and resolved.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.