Rare combination of chronic primary adrenal insufficiency, subclinical hypothyroidism, and bicytopenia as features of systemic lupus erythematosus in a young man: A case report.

Adrenal insufficiency in systemic lupus erythematosus is rarely detected, especially in male patients. Nevertheless, such coexistence can occur, and screening for systemic lupus erythematosus should be considered in primary adrenal insufficiency with symptoms of systemic multiorgan involvement. We report a 22-year-old Asian man, initially diagnosed with bicytopenia, developed severe unintentional weight loss, skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation, along with persistent fatigue. Laboratory examination showed positive antinuclear antibody-indirect immunofluorescence, elevated anti-double-stranded DNA, extremely low morning serum cortisol, and mildly elevated thyroid stimulating hormone with normal free T4. He was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, manifesting as chronic primary adrenal insufficiency, subclinical hypothyroidism, and bicytopenia. He was treated with mycophenolic acid of 180 mg b.i.d, methylprednisolone of 4 mg q.d, and vitamin D3 1000 IU q.d. Methylprednisolone was given for its anti-inflammatory property and as a simple once-daily regimen to supplement glucocorticoid deficiency. Levothyroxine was not prescribed for our patient since his thyroid stimulating hormone was only mildly elevated, and supplementation of levothyroxine in the setting of adrenal insufficiency might precipitate an adrenal crisis. At the 6-month follow-up, he was no longer fatigued, he regained his body weight, his skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation improved significantly, his thyroid stimulating hormone level normalized (without levothyroxine supplementation), and his complete blood count stabilized, remitting him from the need for transfusion.

Recurrent Reversible Stroke-Like Encephalopathy After 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a well-established treatment for solid cancers, including metastatic or advanced colon cancer. Despite its efficacy, 5-FU can cause rare but serious adverse events such as acute neurotoxicity, which presents as symptoms similar to stroke. CASE REPORT We report the case of a patient who was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer and who underwent chemotherapy with a high dose of 5-FU as part of the FOLFIRI (Folinic Acid, Fluorouracil, Irinotecan) treatment plan. During the seventh, eighth, and ninth cycles of chemotherapy, the patient suffered from severe encephalopathy, and the cause of this condition was determined to the 46-hour continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU, which was part of the FOLFIRI regimen. CONCLUSIONS 5-FU-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare but serious adverse event that requires immediate recognition and treatment. The first step in managing this condition is to halt the 5-FU infusion and provide the patient with high volumes of fluid. Although most cases of 5-FU-induced encephalopathy resolve spontaneously, recurrence is possible if the drug is re-administered to the same patient. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients receiving 5-FU chemotherapy and be aware of the signs and symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. It is important to note that while 5-FU-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is rare, it highlights the importance of closely monitoring patients receiving chemotherapy to identify and treat adverse events promptly. This can help improve patient outcomes and prevent serious long-term complications.