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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Chronic heroin dependence leading to adrenal insufficiency
1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince Charles Hospital, Cwm Taf NHS Trust, Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 9DT, UK.
Abstract:
Opioids have been the mainstay for pain relief and palliation over a long period of time. They are commonly abused by drug addicts and such dependence usually imparts severe physiologic effects on multiple organ systems. The negative impact of opioids on the endocrine system is poorly understood and often underestimated. We describe a patient who developed severe suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis leading to secondary adrenal insufficiency due to long standing abuse of opioids.
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