Addison's disease with primary hypothyroidism in a case of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Mar 5;14(3):e238488. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-238488.

Abstract

A 41-year-old man presented with vomiting and loose stools. He had a history of long-term intermittent fever, generalised skin hyperpigmentation, dragging sensation in the left hypochondrium and unintentional weight loss. He was receiving combination antiretroviral therapy since 2010 for HIV infection. He also received antitubercular therapy for tuberculous spondylitis. During the hospital stay, he was found to have postural hypotension, hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, pancytopenia, hypothyroidism, hyperglobulinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia with reversal of serum albumin/globulin ratio. The morning plasma cortisol was lower than normal and could not be appropriately stimulated after the Synacthen test. The bone marrow histopathology was suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis. He was diagnosed as a case of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection with primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) and primary hypothyroidism, as a rare and unusual presentation.

Keywords: HIV / AIDS; adrenal disorders; endocrine system; haematology (drugs and medicines).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Addison Disease* / complications
  • Addison Disease* / diagnosis
  • Addison Disease* / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Coinfection*
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Hypothyroidism* / complications
  • Hypothyroidism* / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism* / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / complications
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / drug therapy
  • Male

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone