What question did this study set out to answer?

To highlight the severity and rapid progression of adrenal crisis triggered by influenza infection.

April 25, 2026

Revisiting Adrenal Crisis Triggered by Influenza Infection: Lessons from Two Fatal Cases

Key Points

To highlight the severity and rapid progression of adrenal crisis triggered by influenza infection.
Described two fatal cases of adrenal crisis due to influenza infection.
Provided clinical details and interventions undertaken, including resuscitation and hydrocortisone administration.
Highlighted importance of clinician awareness and education.
Both patients presented in cardiac arrest and received resuscitation.
Despite treatment with intravenous hydrocortisone, fatal outcomes occurred.
Both cases emphasize the need for prompt recognition and management to prevent fatalities.

Abstract

Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening endocrine emergency that can progress within hours despite a prior diagnosis and maintenance therapy. We describe a fatal influenza-triggered adrenal crisis in two patients: a child with panhypopituitarism and an adult with prior pituitary surgery, both presenting in cardiac arrest. Despite resuscitation and intravenous hydrocortisone, a fatal hypoxic-ischemic injury or multiorgan failure occurred. These cases highlight the fulminant course of an adrenal crisis and underscore the importance of early recognition, clinician awareness, prompt parenteral hydrocortisone administration, and reinforcement of education for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to improve preparedness and prevent avoidable deaths.

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