Central adrenal insufficiency and diabetes insipidus as potential endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 infection: a case report

Hypocortisolemic ASIA: a vaccine- and chronic infection-induced syndrome behind the origin of long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis

Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), long COVID (LC) and post-COVID-19 vaccine syndrome show similarities in their pathophysiology and clinical manifestations. These disorders are related to viral or adjuvant persistence, immunological alterations, autoimmune diseases and hormonal imbalances. A developmental model is postulated that involves the interaction between immune hyperactivation, autoimmune hypophysitis or pituitary hypophysitis, and immune depletion. This process might begin with a deficient CD4 T-cell response to viral infections in genetically predisposed individuals (HLA-DRB1), followed by an uncontrolled immune response with CD8 T-cell hyperactivation and elevated antibody production, some of which may be directed against autoantigens, which can trigger autoimmune hypophysitis or direct damage to the pituitary, resulting in decreased production of pituitary hormones, such as ACTH. As the disease progresses, prolonged exposure to viral antigens can lead to exhaustion of the immune system, exacerbating symptoms and pathology. It is suggested that these disorders could be included in the autoimmune/adjuvant-induced inflammatory syndrome (ASIA) because of their similar clinical manifestations and possible relationship to genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the HLA-DRB1 gene. In addition, it is proposed that treatment with antivirals, corticosteroids/ginseng, antioxidants, and metabolic precursors could improve symptoms by modulating the immune response, pituitary function, inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to suggest a possible autoimmune origin against the adenohypophysis and a possible improvement of symptoms after treatment with corticosteroid replacement therapy.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis Function and Adrenal Insufficiency in COVID-19 Patients

The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected more than half a billion people worldwide and caused more than 6 million deaths since 2019. The responsible virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily affects the lungs, but it has multisystemic effects. It is well known that dysfunction of multiple endocrine organs may occur during or after COVID-19. Impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is of utmost importance as it may lead to death if went undiagnosed. SARS-CoV-2 may cause both primary and secondary adrenal insufficiencies (AIs). The clinical manifestations of AI are generally non-specific and might be attributed to the complications caused by the infection itself. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms were explained by the immunogenic, vascular effects of the infection or the direct effects of the virus. The diagnosis of AI in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is not straightforward. There is lack of consensus on the cut-off values of basal serum cortisol levels and stimulation tests during the disease. Here we review the literature with a special regard on the evaluation of the HPA axis in patients with COVID-19. We conclude that the possibility of AI should always be kept in mind when dealing with patients with COVID-19, and repeated basal cortisol measurements and the ACTH stimulation test results could guide the clinician during the diagnostic process.

Central Diabetes Insipidus: An Acute Manifestation of COVID-19 Infection

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and its complications. Central diabetes insipidus (central DI) is a rare but treatable manifestation of acute COVID-19 infection. This case reports the rapid onset of central DI in a 35-year-old male in less than two weeks post-COVID-19 infection. He made a complete recovery post-administration of desmopressin within one month. Prompt diagnosis, treatment, and periodic follow-up are hence the cornerstones of a successful recovery for a patient with central DI post-COVID-19 infection.

Pituitary and SARS CoV-2: An unremitting conundrum

There is increased interest related to the impact of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) on the endocrine system and in particular on the pituitary gland. Over the course of the severe infection with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there are both acute and delayed effects on the pituitary, related to infection and/or treatment. Hypopituitarism, pituitary apoplexy and hypophysitis have been all reported, as well as arginine vasopressin deficiency (diabetes insipidus) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Furthermore, patients with acromegaly, Cushing's disease and hypopituitarism are theoretically at increased risk of complications with COVID-19 and require close monitoring. Evidence regarding pituitary dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 continues to be gathered, as the breadth and depth of knowledge also continues to rapidly evolve. This review summarizes data analysis to date on the possible effects of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on patients with normal pituitary function and patients with known pituitary pathology. Though clinical systems were significantly affected, it seems there is no overall loss of biochemical control in patients with certain pituitary pathologies.

AVP deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) following immunization with anti-COVID-19 BNT162b2 Comirnaty vaccine in adolescents: A case report

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted the development of new vaccines to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Recognition and report of potential adverse effects of these novel vaccines (especially the urgent and life-threatening ones) is therefore essential.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old boy presented to the Paediatric Emergency Department with polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss over the last four months. His past medical history was unremarkable. Onset of symptoms was referred to be few days after first dose of anti-COVID-19 BNT162b2 Comirnaty vaccine and then worsened after the second dose. The physical exam was normal, without neurological abnormalities. Auxological parameters were within normal limits. Daily fluid balance monitoring confirmed polyuria and polydipsia. Biochemistry laboratory analysis and urine culture were normal. Serum osmolality was 297 mOsm/Kg H₂O (285-305), whereas urine osmolality was 80 mOsm/Kg H₂O (100-1100), suggesting diabetes insipidus. Anterior pituitary function was preserved. Since parents refused to give consent to water deprivation test, treatment with Desmopressin was administered and confirmed ex juvantibus diagnosis of AVP deficiency (or central diabetes insipidus). Brain MRI revealed pituitary stalk thickening (4 mm) with contrast enhancement, and loss of posterior pituitary bright spot on T1 weighted imaging. Those signs were consistent with neuroinfundibulohypophysitis. Immunoglobulin levels were normal. Low doses of oral Desmopressin were sufficient to control patient's symptoms, normalizing serum and urinary osmolality values and daily fluid balance at discharge. Brain MRI after 2 months showed stable thicken pituitary stalk and still undetectable posterior pituitary. Due to persistence of polyuria and polydipsia, therapy with Desmopressin was adjusted by increasing dosage and number of daily administrations. Clinical and neuroradiological follow-up is still ongoing.

Conclusion

Hypophysitis is a rare disorder characterized by lymphocytic, granulomatous, plasmacytic, or xanthomatous infiltration of the pituitary gland and stalk. Common manifestations are headache, hypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus. To date, only time correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of hypophysitis and subsequent hypopituitarism has been reported. Further studies will be needed to deepen a possible causal link between anti-COVID-19 vaccine and AVP deficiency.

Central diabetes insipidus secondary to COVID-19 infection: a case report

BACKGROUND

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects the lungs, but can involve several other organs. The diagnosis of acute and chronic sequelae is one of the challenges of COVID-19. The current literature proposes that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may involve the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. In this case report, we present a unique case of new-onset central diabetes insipidus secondary to the COVID-19 disease in a 54-year-old woman.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old woman presented with the history of excessive thirst, polyuria, and polydipsia, six weeks after being infected by COVID-19. Laboratory tests revealed low urine osmolarity and increased serum osmolarity, and the patient was diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus. After administration of nasal desmopressin, urinary osmolarity increased, and the patient's symptoms improved. However, to stabilize her condition, desmopressin treatment was required.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported a unique case of diabetes insipidus in a COVID-19 patient. Central diabetes insipidus may be included in clinical manifestations of the COVID-19, in case of new-onset polyuria and polydipsia following COVID-19 disease. Nevertheless, a causal relationship has not been established between the symptoms of the patient and the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Case Report: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Following COVID-19 Infection and Review of Literatures

SARS-CoV-2 infection, responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can impair any organ system including endocrine glands. However, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunctions following SARS-CoV-2 infection remain largely unexplored. We described a case of hypothalamic amenorrhea following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 36-year-old healthy woman. The diagnostic workup excluded all the causes of secondary amenorrhea, in agreement to the current guidelines, whereas the gonadotropin increase in response to GnRH analogue tests was suggestive for hypothalamic impairment. Therefore, since our patient did not present any organic cause of hypothalamic-pituitary disorder, we hypothesized that her hypothalamic deficiency may have been a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This assumption, besides on the temporal consecutio, is strengthened by the fact that SARS-CoV-2 infection can impair the hypothalamic circuits, altering the endocrine axes, given that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors have also been observed in the hypothalamus. We reviewed the literature regarding hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. No study has previously described female hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with secondary amenorrhea following COVID-19. We suggest clinicians focusing greater attention on this possible endocrine disorder.

Adrenal Insufficiency in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Infected Patients without Preexisting Adrenal Diseases: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations varied completely from its time of emergence. However, the assessment of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in this pandemic is lacking. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the status of AI among COVID-19-infected individuals.

METHODS

A systematic literature screening in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed until May 23, 2021. We collected relevant published peer-reviewed studies that reported AI occurrence in patients who suffered from COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 10 records (cross-sectional studies: 3, N = 256, males: 176 (68.7%), and case reports: 7, N = 7, males: 4 (57.1%)) were recruited. The age spectrum ranged from 22 to 96 years. AI was diagnosed with laboratory assessment or radiologic findings. The AI prevalence ranged from 3.1% to as high as 64.3% in different studies. Except for one patient, all other patients were discharged in stable conditions in published case reports.

CONCLUSION

This review indicates that AI occurrence in the COVID-19 pandemic seems quite probable; however, the extent and type (primary, secondary, and functional) need to be clarified yet. Appropriate early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions should be done, especially in critically ill patients, to prevent lethal outcomes.