Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
[Morbus Addison in five-year-old girl]
Heidi Smedegaard1, Rikke Beck Jensen, Kirsten Holm
1Børneafdelingen, Hillerød Hospital, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark. heidismedegaard@hotmail.com
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|May 18, 2010
Summary
A rare pediatric disorder, primary adrenal insufficiency (Morbus Addison), can present with severe symptoms like confusion and gastrointestinal issues. Early diagnosis is crucial as untreated Morbus Addison is lethal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (Morbus Addison) is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by the adrenal glands' inability to produce sufficient steroid hormones.
- In children, Morbus Addison is exceptionally uncommon, often presenting diagnostic challenges due to non-specific symptoms.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with gastrointestinal distress and acute confusion, initially suspected to be septic shock or meningitis.
- Initial treatment included intravenous fluids, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with primary adrenal insufficiency (Morbus Addison) after initial critical illness management.
- This diagnosis highlights the importance of considering rare endocrine disorders in critically ill children.
Implications:
- Primary adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Clinicians should consider Morbus Addison in the differential diagnosis of severely ill pediatric patients with ambiguous symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:21Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Huntington disease or HD is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.PathophysiologyIt is caused by expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene on chromosome 4 (4p16.3), producing an abnormal huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. This misfolded protein disrupts cellular function, leading to neuronal death. Normal alleles have ≤26 repeats, 27–35 are intermediate (risk of expansion), 36–39 show reduced penetrance,...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.