Adrenal insufficiency presenting as bilateral rigid auricles: a case report

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Adrenal insufficiency is a serious condition.
• A rare physical sign, stiff ears, has been associated with adrenal insufficiency.
• This sign has not been previously documented in critical care settings.

Observation:

• A 68-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of thymoma resection complications, including hypotension and muscle weakness.
• The patient exhibited bilateral rigid auricles during physical examination.
• In retrospect, the patient was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadism.

Findings:

• Bilateral rigid auricles were identified as a potential warning sign for adrenal insufficiency.
• This physical finding is easily assessable.
• The presence of rigid auricles should raise suspicion for adrenal insufficiency.

Implications:

• The stiff ear sign can aid in early detection of adrenal insufficiency.
• This sign may prompt further investigation for other hormonal deficiencies.
• Incorporating this simple check can improve patient outcomes in critical care.