Addison's disease is a rare disorder resulted from a chronic deficiency of the adreanl cortical hormone. The clinical manifestations are general weakness, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, hypovolemia with hyponatremia and hyperkalemia.
We report a case of addison's disease in a 60-year-old woman who has experienced slowly progressive weakness, weight loss and generalized cutaneous pigmentation, especially sun exposed area, extensor surface and nail bed for the last 2 years. On
a
hormonal assay of the adrenal glands, basal plasma cortisol level was decreased and basal plasma ACTH level was markedly elevated. A chest X-ray showed streaky tuberculous infiltration in left upper lobe field and adrenal CT scan showed calcific
densities of both adrenal glands with nodular enlargement of right adrenal gland. There was a densities of both adrenal glands with steroid replacement therapy and anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. A nearly normal appearance was obtained after 5
months'
treatment.
(Kor J Dermatol 1995;33(6) : 1148~1153)
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