[Diagnosis and management of endocrine crises in adulthood]

Diagnosis and management of endocrine crises in adulthood. The homeostasis of the body is regulated by concerted action of the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. An imbalance in this equilibrium, as a consequence of disease or endocrine failure, may lead to crisis, characterized by sudden onset and severe symptoms. The classical endocrine emergencies are rare but life-threatening conditions. Prompt and aggressive treatment significantly reduces mortality. Immediate therapy might be necessitated in cases of suspected endocrine emergencies, even prior to laboratory confirmation. These patients generally require admittance to an intensive care unit. In the present review only the most severe forms of life-threatening endocrine emergencies, including acute adrenal insufficiency, pituitary apoplexy, pheochromocytoma crisis, thyroid storm and myxedema coma will be discussed.