Addison's Disease: Evaluation of Twenty Nine Cases - Original Article

Abstract
Primary adrenal failure (Addison's disease) is a clinical disorder characterized by destruction of the adrenal cortex leading to decreased production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and/or adrenal androgens. The clinical presentation may vary from complete adrenal failure to some non-specific constitutional symptoms. It is life threatening when overlooked. The onset of adrenal insufficiency is often gradual and may go undetected until an illness or other stress precipitates an adrenal crisis. Autoimmune adrenalitis and tuberculosis are the leading causes of Addison's disease, the former being the most common in the developed countries. However tuberculosis is still an important cause of Addison's disease in the developing countries, particularly where tuberculosis is not uncommon. In this study, we reported the etiologic and clinical characteristics of 29 patients with Addison's disease.