A Case Report on Hyponatremia: Leading Sign of Hypopituitarism [Secondary to Adrenal Insufficiency]

Severe hyponatremia due to hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency can be life threatening and treatment with glucocorticoids is very effective once the diagnosis of the underlying disorder has been made. In our experience, the diagnosis of hypopituitarism in hyponatremic patients is often overlooked. We report the case of a 54 year old female admitted to our hospital in an obtunded state with altered sensorium. We found that a severe hyponatremia was the cause of patient condition . Previously she was diagnosed with recurrent episodes of hyponatremia leading to encephalopathy. The diagnosis of hypopituitarism is often overlooked in hyponatremic patients. Hyponatremia should always be ruled out for endocrinological cause Our study concludes that hyponatremia is due to hypopituitarism that is secondary to adrenal insufficiency leading to encephalopathy.