Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Organic Delusional Disorder due to Tuberculous Adrenalitis.
Pooja GovindKarthick SubramanianSuriya KumarPublished in: Case reports in psychiatry (2022)
Primary adrenal insufficiency rarely occurs due to infections, which consequently involves destruction or dysfunction of both adrenal cortices. Tuberculous adrenalitis is still a frequent cause of adrenal insufficiency in developing countries. We present the case of origin of multiple delusions along with recurrent spells of vomiting and giddiness in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). A thorough medical history combined with a panel of biochemical and endocrine investigations revealed disseminated TB with choroid tubercles and adrenal infiltration leading to primary adrenal insufficiency. A diagnosis of organic delusional disorder secondary to disseminated TB-associated adrenal insufficiency was considered. The patient was managed with risperidone and antitubercular drugs. The psychosis improved and the patient was stable during the follow-up. The present case report adds to the literature on diagnostic challenges associated with psychosis due to adrenal insufficiency secondary to disseminated TB.