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Updated: May 12, 2026
05:56
Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application
Published on: April 14, 2023
Woman with a Blackened Tongue: A Case Report
Kyrillos Girgis1, Cory Toomasian1, Timothy Young1
1Loma Linda University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda, CA.
Summary
Primary adrenal insufficiency, a rare endocrine disorder, can cause symptoms like black tongue and skin hyperpigmentation. Early recognition in the emergency department is crucial for timely steroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare endocrine disorder.
- It involves deficient production of glucocorticoids, potentially with mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens.
- Symptoms can be diverse and may lead to emergency department visits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of primary adrenal insufficiency presenting with distinctive tongue discoloration.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing this symptom in the emergency setting.
- To highlight the need for prompt diagnosis and management of primary adrenal insufficiency.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 40-year-old female patient.
- Clinical presentation included tongue and gingival discoloration, weight loss, and skin hyperpigmentation.
- Evaluation by an endocrinologist in the emergency department.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of primary adrenal insufficiency.
- Distinctive tongue discoloration was a key clinical finding.
- Steroid treatment was initiated in the emergency department.
Conclusions:
- Primary adrenal insufficiency can manifest with unique oral symptoms like black tongue.
- Early recognition of these signs in emergency settings is vital.
- Prompt steroid administration is essential for managing primary adrenal insufficiency.
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