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Addison’s Disease, Diffuse Skin, and Mucosal Hyperpigmenation with Subtle “Flu‐like” Symptoms—A Report of Two Cases
Author(s) -
Burk Cynthia J.,
Ciocca Giovanna,
Heath Candrice R.,
Duarte Anna,
Dohil Magdalene,
Connelly Elizabeth Alvarez
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2008.00637.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperpigmentation , adrenocortical insufficiency , anorexia , weakness , adrenocorticotropic hormone , addison's disease , adrenal insufficiency , disease , hormone , dermatology , endocrinology , surgery
Addison’s disease, or chronic adrenocortical insufficiency, is the overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone by the pituitary gland as a compensatory mechanism for decreased cortisol production by the adrenal glands. Classically, patients affected with Addison’s disease develop weakness, anorexia, electrolyte imbalances: decreased sodium and chloride with increased serum potassium resulting in hypotension, and hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes. Herein this case report, we focus on the subtle findings of diffuse hyperpigmentation and intermittent but repetitive “flu‐like” symptoms in two patients to correctly identify the diagnosis of Addison’s disease effectively and efficiently.