Acute Kidney Injury Complicating Schmidt’s Syndrome

Abstract

We present a case of a 68 old woman who was referred to us due to acute kidney injury. Recent history of her illness revealed the presence of thyroidopathy, hyperpigmentation, hypotensive episodes and various other general signs and symptoms. Blood tests showed hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, elevated creatinine and inadequate response to cosicotropine stimulation test. All the above lead to the diagnosis of Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome type II, and more specifically, of Schmidt’s syndrome (Addison’s disease and hypothyroidism). After proper treatment, the patient’s health and general condition has shown impressive improvement. Adrenal insufficiency presents with symptoms that are not specific, and may lead to diagnostic uncertainty. Once the diagnosis is established, it is imperative that adequate treatment starts without delay.

Keywords: Schmidt’s syndrome; Addison’s disease; Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II hyperkalemia, Hypothyroidism

Case Report

A 68 years old woman was referred to the emergency department by her family physician, due to acute kidney injury. She had a history of hypothyroidism treated with Levothyroxine sodium (88μg per day) for the past 7 years. The patient noticed hypepigmentation, which appeared almost 2 years ago, initially in body areas exposed to the sun (face, neck, arms and legs) and during the last six months it began to expand in other areas ,such as palmar creases ,nails ,and in the oral mucosa (buccal mucosa, gums, tongue and lips), (Figure 1). Nine months prior to her referral, she started complaining of various symptoms, among which, weakness, fatigue, alopecia (hair loss), constipation, and loss of appetite resulting in a weight loss of about 12kg within a period of eight months. She, frequently experienced symptoms and signs of orthostatic hypotension, with a systolic blood pressure of 80 -100mmHg. Furthermore, the patient began having altered mental status with behavioral changes like apathy, indifference and sleepiness. Due to these mental disorders and an episode of confusion (disorientation in time and place), she was referred to a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with depression. The patient also complained of muscle and joint pain of the upper and lower limbs and abdominal muscles for the past 2 months. Additionally, 10 days ago, her doctor, noticed a relapse of the existing hypothyroidism and suggested an increase of the Levothyroxine sodium to 100μg per day and a repeat blood test. Except from the relapse of the hypothyroidism the patient’s blood tests also revealed acute kidney injury and the patient was referred to us and admitted to our hospital. At the time of presentation, the patient’s blood pressure was 130/60mmHg, while sitting, with postural drop (blood pressure: 80/40mmHg, while standing). Her skin was hyperpigmentated. During clinical examination she had abdominal and gastrocnemius muscle spasms. Laboratory tests revealed: Hct: 39, 6%, Hgb: 13,2gr/ dl, WBC: 11700K/μL, serum urea: 70mg/dl, serum creatinine: 1.7mg/ dl, mild hyponatremia (130mEq/l), hyperkalemia K: 6mEq/L, Ca: 10.9mg/dL, serum albumin: 4.5g/dL, serum glucose 113mg/dL, TSH levels: 13.38 μIU/mL. The renal ultrasound showed normal findings. Based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was considered. Further laboratory tests of early morning adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels were obtained. ACTH levels were elevated (959μg/dl) and cortisol levels were only 1,23μg/dl. A cosyntropin stimulation test was performed. Serum cortisol levels failed to raise 1 hour after the administration of 250μg of cosyntropin (serum cortisol levels post administration: 1 μg/dl). The ACTH serum levels and the cosyntropin stimulation test established the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease). These findings combined with the patient’s medical history of hypothyroidism confirmed our suspicion of adrenal insufficiency possibly due to Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome type II, and more specifically, a case of Schmidt’s syndrome (Addison’s disease and hypothyroidism). Intravenous fluids and glucocorticoid (hydrocortisone 20mg S1x3/24h) treatment were administrated appropriately, followed by mineralcorticoids (Fludrocortisone 100mcg S: 1x1). The patient’s symptoms and laboratory test results improved and were released from hospital four days later. Within a month hyperpigmentation was reduced drastically, and three months later it was almost completely gone.

    

    

    Figure 1:  Hypepigmentation in the oral mucosa (buccal mucosa, gums,
tongue and lips).