Cushing's Syndrome Behind Hypokalemia and Severe Infection: A Case Report

Abstract

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Complications derive from hypercortisolism and are mainly cardiovascular, infectious and thrombotic. Most manifestations are unspecific, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed and made only in the setting of complications. We present a woman in whom CS was investigated because of refractory hypokalemia, hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis. The patient had many cardiovascular risk factors and was admitted to the hospital due to a serious bacterial infection - muscle abscesses evolving into osteomyelitis. The final etiological diagnosis was not possible because the acute event had a fatal outcome. Immunosuppression associated with hypercortisolism makes these patients predisposed to severe infection. Indeed, infectious complications are a relevant cause of death in CS. Diagnosing and treating CS early is paramount in preventing its dismal complications.