[A case of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by cryptococcus and cytomegalovirus co-infection after Cushing's syndrome treatment].

Abstract

We report a case of severe Cushing's syndrome developing into life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome with cryptococcus and cytomegalovirus co-infection soon after hypercortisolism treatment using metyrapone, an 11-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor. We speculate that a restored immune response would have elicited clinical symptoms of opportunistic and previously subclinical infection. The immunocompromised state and the delicate glucocorticoid balance in subjects with severe Cushing's syndrome necessitate a specific diagnostic and therapeutic approach.