CASE REPORTS
JOURNAL ARTICLE
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Reversible primary adrenal insufficiency related to anti-programmed cell-death 1 protein active immunotherapy: Insight into an unforeseen outcome of a rare immune-related adverse event.

The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) revolutionize the cancer therapeutics, though not being devoid of toxicity. The immune-related primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare, yet potentially life-threatening, adverse event, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We report the first case of reversible PAI related to nivolumab (programmed cell-death 1 protein inhibitor) in a 42-year-old male with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma. PAI manifested as profound fatigue, disorientation, hypotension, hyperpigmentation of palmar creases, and hyponatremia without hyperkalemia 16 weeks after initiation of nivolumab. Due to impending adrenal crisis, intravenous stress doses of hydrocortisone and hydration with normal saline were initiated. When the state of patient was stabilized, PAI was confirmed through 250 μg Synacthen test 24 h after temporary cessation of hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone was fixed at maintenance dose, while mineralocorticoid substitution was not required. PAI was ascribed to nivolumab based on history, physical examination, and laboratory work-up with emphasis on positivity of anti-21-hydroxylase antibodies and exclusion of other causes of PAI by normal imaging of adrenal glands on computed tomography (CT). Reevaluation of adrenal function during follow up demonstrated complete recovery. A review of literature concerning the immune-related PAI indicated that the complete recovery of adrenal function, the normal CT imaging, and the positivity of anti-21-hydroxylase antibodies observed in our patient are exceptional findings of immune-related PAI. Finally, heightened suspicion of immune-related PAI in case of hyponatremia without hyperkalemia and constant vigilance for diagnosis of rare, but real, reversibility of immune-related PAI are of paramount importance.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app