Vanishing Adrenal Glands: Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage With Adrenal Insufficiency in COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with thrombotic and endocrine complications, including adrenal insufficiency in the setting of adrenal hemorrhage. We present a patient diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) in the setting of COVID-19 infection resulting in bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, subsequently leading to adrenal insufficiency. Acute adrenal hemorrhage is an underrecognized cause of decompensation, multisystem failure, and death in severe illness. Reports of adrenal insufficiency in the setting of COVID-19 infection revealed microscopic infarction, which can increase the risk of hemorrhage. Other mechanisms include severe hyperinflammatory response and cytokine storm leading to endothelial dysfunction, vascular injury, adrenal parenchymal damage, and hemorrhage. COVID-19 infection can be associated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events and can lead to adrenal hemorrhage. Adrenal insufficiency is life-threatening and needs to be recognized promptly. There can be a latent phase between hemorrhagic events and adrenal failure; hence, close monitoring and timely intervention are important.