Stress Steroids in the Battle Against Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome With Distributive Shock

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (WFS) is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with acute hemorrhagic necrosis of the adrenal glands, primarily linked to meningococcal infection. This report details the case of a 62-year-old female with HIV/AIDS and substance misuse who presented with ventricular tachycardia and hemodynamic instability. Subsequent evaluation revealed WFS in the context of disseminated meningococcal infection. The case highlights the diversity of WFS manifestations and the diagnostic challenges, particularly in patients with comorbidities. Managing WFS involves a delicate balance of steroids and vasopressors, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical in mitigating the high mortality associated with this syndrome.

Pseudo-pheochromocytoma due to obstructive sleep apnea: a case report

SUMMARY

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition of intermittent nocturnal upper airway obstruction. OSA increases sympathetic drive which may result in clinical and biochemical features suggestive of pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a 2.9-cm left adrenal incidentaloma on CT, hypertension, symptoms of headache, anxiety and diaphoresis, and persistently elevated 24-h urine norepinephrine (initially 818 nmol/day (89-470)) and normetanephrine (initially 11.2 µmol/day (0.6-2.7)). He was started on prazosin and underwent left adrenalectomy. Pathology revealed an adrenal corticoadenoma with no evidence of pheochromocytoma. Over the next 2 years, urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine remained significantly elevated with no MIBG avid disease. Years later, he was diagnosed with severe OSA and treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Urine testing done once OSA was well controlled revealed complete normalization of urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine with substantial symptom improvement. It was concluded that the patient never had a pheochromocytoma but rather an adrenal adenoma with biochemistry and symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma due to untreated severe OSA. Pseudo-pheochromocytoma is a rare presentation of OSA and should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines in the right clinical setting.

LEARNING POINTS

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition among adults. OSA may rarely present as pseudo-pheochromocytoma with symptoms of pallor, palpitations, perspiration, headache, or anxiety. OSA should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines, especially in patients with negative metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan results.

A Rare Case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome Without Purpura Secondary to Haemophilus Influenzae

The Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is an entity consisting of shock, petechial rash and haemorrhages in both adrenal glands leading to adrenal failure. This syndrome is usually secondary to meningococcal septicaemia, but there are many documented cases caused by other bacteria. Purpura is an essential part of the syndrome, but it is not always there. In the current study, a case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome without purpura in an elderly patient with Haemophilus influenzae bacteraemia has been described. This patient was being managed for sepsis due to pneumonia and an incidental finding of bilateral adrenal haemorrhage was made on a CT of the thorax which was meant to evaluate empyema. This case shows the need to suspect bilateral adrenal haemorrhage in every patient with septic shock.

A unique fatal case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome caused by Proteus mirabilis in an immunocompetent subject: Case report and literature analysis

INTRODUCTION

The Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (WFS), also known as purpura fulminans, is a potentially lethal condition described as acute hemorrhagic necrosis of the adrenal glands. It is often caused by infection. Classically, Neisseriae meningitidis represents the main microorganism related to WFS, although, infrequently, also other infectious agents are reported as a possible etiologic agent. The authors report the first case of death due to Proteus mirabilis infection, with postmortem evidence of WFS.

PATIENT CONCERNS

After a facial trauma that provoked a wound on the nose, the subject, a healthy 40-years old man, was conducted to the local hospital (in Sicily, Italy) after the primary care he was discharged. Subsequently, after 2 days of general malaise, he returned to the hospital due to the worsening of the clinical condition. During the hospitalization, hypotension, and neurological impairment appeared; the laboratory analysis showed leukocytosis and the alteration of renal, hepatic and coagulative parameters. Microbiological blood analysis resulted positive for a P mirabilis infection.

DIAGNOSIS

Multiorgan failure (MOF) with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) due to sepsis was diagnosed.

INTERVENTIONS

The practitioners administered intensive support, antibiotic therapy, antithrombin III, vitamin K, and plasma.

OUTCOMES

After 3 days the subject died. The autopsy and the microscopic investigation were performed revealing, also, the adrenal diffuse micronodular hyperplasia associated with a cortico-medullary hemorrhagic apoplexy.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case of MOF with WFS due to P mirabilis infection. This case report suggests that P mirabilis should be added to the list of unusual bacteria causing WFS. Furthermore, it supports the theory that any bacterium which causes DIC may cause adrenal hemorrhage and should suggest to clinicians the importance to consider a potential adrenal involvement in every patient with sepsis and DIC.