7243 COVID-19 Associated Primary Autoimmune Adrenal Insufficiency: A New Clinical Entity

Abstract

Disclosure: J. Naredo Rojas: None. B. Udegbe: None. I. Remba-Shapiro: None. S.L. Stockman: None. L.B. Nachtigall: None.

Background: The adrenal glands express angiotensin converting enzyme and transmembrane serine protease 2 receptors for SARS-CoV-2 protein S, facilitating viral entry. Cortisol levels are decreased in COVID-19 infection in correlation with disease severity. A number of potential mechanisms could relate autoimmune adrenal insufficiency (AI) to COVID-19, but whether or not SARS-CoV-2 infection plays a direct role in the autoimmune pathogenesis of primary AI is unknown. Furthermore, while single cases have been reported, autoimmune-mediated primary adrenal insufficiency following COVID-19 illness has not been formally studied. Purpose: To determine the association and clinical presentation of primary autoimmune adrenal insufficiency in patients with COVID-19 disease. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients presenting to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) with primary AI in the setting of recent COVID-19 illness. Review of the literature was performed to identify additional cases. Clinical, biochemical and radiographic characteristics, and interval between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and primary AI diagnosis were evaluated. Criteria for inclusion were biochemical confirmation of AI, clinical signs and/or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency within 6 months of COVID-19 illness, and evidence of autoimmune etiology of AI. Results: Five novel cases of COVID-19 associated primary autoimmune-mediated adrenal insufficiency from our Center were identified. Review of the literature yielded five additional cases. This series combines our Center’s experience, and the cases reported to date, including a total of 10 patients, 6 men and 4 women. All men (6/6) and 2 women (2/4) were < 30 years old. Patients demonstrated clinical evidence of adrenal insufficiency in a median time frame of 14 days (IQR 8.5-23.3) after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vomiting, hypotension, and hyponatremia were present in all (N=10). Other common symptoms were nausea (90%), fatigue (70%), hyperpigmentation (70%) and hyperkalemia (50%). Nine (90%) had a positive past medical and/or family history of autoimmune disease. Nine (90%) had positive 21-hydroxylase antibodies. The median serum morning cortisol level was 1.1μg/dL with an IQR of 0.7-3.0 μg/dL. The mean ACTH level was 1235.2 pg/mL with a SD of 580.1 pg/mL. The mean ACTH was 19.3 x ULN with a SD of 10.0. Adrenal imaging did not show hemorrhage or necrosis but showed atrophy in 50%. Conclusions: This series reveals that autoimmune-mediated primary adrenal insufficiency may be diagnosed in the aftermath of COVID-19 illness. Age under 30, family history and/or past medical history of autoimmune disease may be associated. Future prospective studies are needed to determine causality.

Presentation: 6/1/2024