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Description

Acute adrenal cortical insufficiency, also known as acute adrenal crisis, is a medical emergency caused by a sudden and severe deficiency of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Symptoms of acute adrenal cortical insufficiency include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, confusion, and fatigue. If left untreated, acute adrenal cortical insufficiency can lead to shock, coma, and even death. Treatment typically involves the administration of intravenous fluids and glucocorticoid hormones to replace the missing cortisol.

Synonyms

• acute adrenal cortical insufficiency
• acute adrenal crisis
• acute adrenal insufficiency
• adrenal crisis

Symptoms (patient's findings)

• abdominal pain
• abnormal weight loss
• anorexia
• asthenia
• fatigue
• flank pain
• headache
• joint pain
• nausea
• skin rash
• vomiting

Signs (examiner's findings)

• bradykinesia
• coma
• disorientation
• severe weakness

Basic Lab Tests (measurements)

• body
  •      weight
  •      weight change
• plasma
  •      morning cortisol
  •      corticotropin
  •      aldosterone
  •      afternoon cortisol
  •      cortisol
• serum
  •      potassium
  •      chloride
  •      rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone simulation test
  •      sodium
• vital signs
  •      pulse
  •      temperature
  •      diastolic blood pressure
  •      systolic blood pressure
  •      blood pressure
  •      respiration rate

Detailed Disease and Condition Information (use the search buttons below to find details on these topics)
All of the following must be considered when interpreting clinical findings and are too extensive to be covered on this site: