Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Managing Severe and Complicated Cushing's syndrome: Etomidate and Bilateral Adrenalectomy can be Life-Saving

Abstract

Maria G. Pavlatou* and Petros Perros

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease. We present a case of severe Cushing’s syndrome of unknown origin, who suffered and survived most of the known acute complications associated with hypercortisolaemia. We emphasize the importance of etomidate use in such emergency situations and the value and role of bilateral adrenalectomy, when rapid restoration of the euadrenal state is paramount, especially when ectopic ACTH is suspected and the source is unclear or impossible to resect. The importance of multidisciplinary endocrine care and the necessary laboratory facilities when dealing with highly complex cases is highlighted.