A Rare Presentation of Possible Disseminated Histoplasmosis with Adrenal Insufficiency Leading to Adrenal Crisis in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report

Abstract

Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, and commonly it causes an asymptomatic illness. Although Histoplasma is the commonest organism to infect adrenal glands, disseminated histoplasmosis in an immune-competent host leading to adrenal insufficiency is rare in current literature. Here, we report a case of possible disseminated histoplasmosis leading to adrenal crisis in a young Asian immunocompetent male. A 42-year-old Sri Lankan male with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus presented with constitutional symptoms and feverishness for three weeks’ duration. He was found to have hepatosplenomegaly with bilateral adrenal masses and pancytopenia. One week later, he developed severe vomiting and hemodynamic collapse and was found to have suppressed adrenal functions. Ultrasound-guided biopsy of adrenals showed fungal spores morphologically similar to Histoplasma. He was started on oral itraconazole and adrenal replacement therapy. He improved symptomatically with treatment and currently is on regular clinic follow-up with a plan to continue antifungal therapy for at least one year to prevent a relapse. Fungal infections, especially histoplasmosis, need to be considered in all immunocompetent patients with compatible history and bilateral adrenal masses. Adrenal insufficiency needs to be promptly diagnosed and treated to prevent Addisonian crisis in these patients.