Question

A27oyearold man enters the hospital with complaints of gradually increasing weakness, loss of aupetite and weight loss. Physical examination feveals a finin white male who appears tanned, although it is winter. is blood pressure is 100/60 mm Higg his vemperehure is normal. Serum sodium level is 120mEtq/L; serum potassium is 6.0 What is the most likely diagnosis? Bxplain:

Answer 1

A 27-year-old man exhibiting weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, tanned appearance, hypotension, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia most likely has Addison's disease. This condition involves inadequate steroid hormone production from the adrenal glands, leading to the mentioned symptoms and potential adrenal crisis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely diagnosis for a 27-year-old male presenting with gradually increasing weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, a tanned appearance despite it being winter, low blood pressure (100/60 mm Hg), low serum sodium (120 mEq/L), and high serum potassium (6.0 mEq/L) is Addison's disease (AAD). The combination of hyponatremia (low blood sodium), hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), hypotension (low blood pressure), and hyperpigmentation is indicative of adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones. AAD can lead to an adrenal crisis, especially in the face of stress, which is a medical emergency. This patient exhibits typical AAD symptoms including weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation. Urgent medical treatment is necessary to manage the electrolyte imbalances and provide necessary hormonal supplementation.