[Hyponatremic coma as a manifestation of Addisońs disease]

OBJECTIVE: To show the importance of severe hydroelectrolytic disorder as a consequence of previously undiagnosed chronic disease. DESCRIPTION: Case report of hyponatremic coma caused by adrenal crisis in a child with previously undiagnosed Addisońs disease despite suggestive clinical findings of this disease in the last four years. After correction of severe hyponatremia, mild hypovolemia, hypernatriuria and hyperkalemia, the differential diagnosis of this hydroelectrolytic disorder revealed an adrenal crisis resulting from a primary chronic adrenal insufficiency. Oral treatment with hydrocortisone was efficient in correcting the metabolic disorder and the patient was then discharged. COMMENTS: It is very important to highly suspect of Addisońs disease in order to avoid the dangerous consequences of late diagnosis such as severe hydroelectrolytic disorders and retarded growth and development.