Cutaneous hyperpigmentation and polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II

Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) may initially present with cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Addison's disease, when associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is referred to as polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II. We present the case of a patient who initially was diagnosed as having Grave's disease and eventually Addison's disease due to persistent cutaneous hyperpigmentation, fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, hyponatremia, peripheral eosinophilia, and positive results of a synthetic corticotropin stimulation test. Addison's disease, polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II, and cutaneous hyperpigmentation are reviewed.