[Adrenal tuberculosis. Diagnosis using polymerase chain reaction]

To present a case of a patient suffering from adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease) and to demonstrate the utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of adrenal cortex tuberculosis.

Herein we describe a patient with Addison's disease who had developed pulmonary tuberculosis a few years earlier. CT and PCR test were utilized in making the diagnosis.

Although adrenocortical tuberculosis is uncommon today, it must be considered when evaluating adrenocortical insufficiency, especially if the patient has or has had tuberculosis. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis might not be demonstrated by bacteriologic techniques, PCR can be useful in making the etiological diagnosis.