A case of hyponatremia caused by central hypocortisolism

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND A 43-year-old woman was referred to the Psychiatric Unit of the University of Florence Hospital, 1 year after the development of a clinical picture characterized by

nausea, hyporexia, muscle weakness, insomnia, weight loss, amenorrhea and severe depression. These clinical manifestations had started 2 months after delivery of her first child. Initial

laboratory investigations revealed hypoglycemia and hyponatremia. The patient was, therefore, transferred to the Endocrine Unit of the same hospital for further evaluation of the case.

INVESTIGATIONS Physical examination to evaluate extracellular volume status, standard laboratory investigations, and evaluation of plasma and urinary osmolality and urinary sodium excretion.

Basal and dynamic evaluation of anterior pituitary function and a pituitary MRI were also performed. DIAGNOSIS Hyponatremia caused by central hypocortisolism (isolated adrenocorticotropic

hormone deficit). MANAGEMENT Glucocorticoid therapy (25 mg cortisone acetate tablets, 1.5 tablets per day). Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription

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ACCESS OPTIONS: * Log in * Learn about institutional subscriptions * Read our FAQs * Contact customer support REFERENCES * Baylis PH (2003) The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic

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AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * M Serio is a Professor of Endocrinology and Chief of the Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, G Parenti is a PhD student

in Endocrine Sciences, A Zogheri is a Resident in Endocrinology, M Mannelli is a Professor of Endocrinology and A Peri is an Associate Professor of Endocrinology at the Endocrine Unit,

University of Florence., Gabriele Parenti, Alessia Zogheri, Mario Serio, Massimo Mannelli & Alessandro Peri * V Ricca is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist at the Psychiatric Unit of

Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy., Valdo Ricca Authors * Gabriele Parenti View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar *

Valdo Ricca View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Alessia Zogheri View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed 

Google Scholar * Mario Serio View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Massimo Mannelli View author publications You can also search for this

author inPubMed Google Scholar * Alessandro Peri View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Correspondence to Alessandro Peri.

ETHICS DECLARATIONS COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Parenti,

G., Ricca, V., Zogheri, A. _et al._ A case of hyponatremia caused by central hypocortisolism. _Nat Rev Endocrinol_ 3, 369–375 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpendmet0459 Download citation

* Received: 03 June 2006 * Accepted: 10 November 2006 * Issue Date: April 2007 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpendmet0459 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the following link with will

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