Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone and thrombocytopenia caused by cytomegalovirus infection in a young immunocompetent woman

We report the first case of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of pandysautonomic signs and symptoms. Thrombocytopenia and hyponatremia were present. Serum anti-CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were positive. Despite hyponatremia, urinary osmolality exceeded plasma osmolality and plasma vasopressin levels related to plasma osmolality were high. Restriction of water intake and administration of dimethylchlorotetracycline improved hyponatremia, suggesting this patient had SIADH. In this patient, SIADH may have been caused by acute pandysautonomia that developed following CMV infection.     

A case of adrenal tuberculosis complicated with acute exacerbation of adrenal insufficiency during the initial phase of anti-tuberculosis therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis

A 36-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of adrenal insufficiency. About one month before admission, he was diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and started anti-tuberculosis therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. On the tenth day, general fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea developed, and laboratory examination showed hyponatremia [126 mEq/l]. Enhanced CT on admission revealed bilateral adrenal mass-like enlargement, and further examination showed high level of plasma ACTH, and low level of cortisol. These findings led to a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency caused by adrenal tuberculosis. He was treated with hydrocortisone and his signs and symptoms rapidly improved. We suppose adrenal insufficiency became clinically apparent because rifampicin reduced half-life of serum cortisol. Interestingly we observed rapid increase and decrease in size of bilateral adrenal glands on CT scan during the course.     

Two cases of miliary tuberculosis with SIADH

Two cases of miliary tuberculosis with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) were reported. Case 1. A 70-year-old woman suffering from general fatigue and appetite loss developed neck stiffness and stupor three days after admission. The chest X-ray film showed a miliary pattern in both lungs. The lumber puncture showed high pressure and increased leucocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid. Serum natrium concentration was 113 mEq/L. Tubercle bacilli were seen in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid by the Ziehl-Nielsen staining. An improvement in electrolytes balance was produced by 2.5% NaCl and antituberculous treatment, then her mental function recovered. Case 2. A 71-year-old man was admitted with gastric ulcer. When he developed dry cough thirty days after admission, the chest X-ray film showed a miliary pattern in both lungs. Acute respiratory failure advanced concomitantly. Tubercle bacilli were seen in the sputum (Gaffky 5) by the Ziehl-Nielsen staining. Antituberculous treatment was started. Although the miliary shadow improved gradually, hyponatremia was rather progressing. The following values for serum constituents were determined: sodium, 118 mEq/L; antidiuretic hormone, 10.3 pg/ml. Antituberculous treatment and supplement of NaCl (10 g/day) improved serum natrium level. He had no mental disturbance in his clinical course. In both cases, thyroid, renal and adrenal function were normal. Systemic edema and dehydration did not exist at the state of hyponatremia, and it was very clear that laboratory data were compatible with SIADH criteria. Miliary tuberculosis is one of the least commonly recognized causes of SIADH.     

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone associated with strongyloidiasis

We report a case of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) with accompanying severe strongyloidiasis in a 52-year-old male. On admission, he showed drowsiness and emaciation with severe hyponatremia. We gave sodium (saline or salts) in an i.v. drip infusion and orally without improvement. A urinalysis and plasma osmotic pressure test indicated SIADH, therefore, treatment was changed to restrict his sodium intake. The hyponatremia gradually improved initially, but the appetite loss, nausea, and hyponatremia continued. Endoscopy revealed white patches on the stomach wall and histopathological examination revealed infestation of the mucosal epithelium with numerous Strongyloides stercoralis larvae. Ivermectin treatment was then initiated and the abdominal symptoms and hyponatremia gradually resolved. We carefully investigated the underlying cause of the SIADH, such as disease of the central nervous system, lung cancer, and other malignancies, but no abnormality or clear cause could be found. We concluded that the patient developed SIADH secondary to severe S. stercoralis infection.     

Esophageal small-cell carcinoma with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

Small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus is rare, and its clinical characteristics remain poorly understood. A 54-year-old man was given a diagnosis of esophageal SCC and underwent esophagectomy. Four months after surgery, he was admitted to our hospital because of rapidly developing hyponatremia. Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) due to extensive recurrence of SCC was diagnosed. Combined chemotherapy with irinotecan and cisplatin has dramatically reduced metastatic tumors, and it was concomitantly effective for SIADH. This case demonstrates that esophageal SCC could induce SIADH as a paraneoplastic syndrome and that the above combined chemotherapy was feasible and effective.     

Case of SIADH caused by ethionamide in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis

Cases of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with tuberculosis have been reported, however, in most of these cases, tuberculosis disease is miliary or severe. Here we report the first case of SIADH induced by ethionamide (TH). The case is a 76 year-old woman. She noticed cough in April 2004 and chest X-ray showed infiltrative shadows on the right upper lung field. Sputum examination revealed positive for TB-PCR, and she was referred to our hospital. Treatment was started with the combination of isoniazid (INH), rifampicin and ethambutol, however susceptibility test showed the bacilli were resistant to INH, then INH was replaced by TH on day 59. Loss of appetite developed 4 days later, the level of consciousness dropped to Japan Coma Scale II-20, and the Na concentration decreased to 113 mEq/l 6 days later. We made the diagnosis of SIADH based on the diagnostic criteria. She recovered from SIADH by the replacement of TH with SM, the restriction of water intake, and the loading of Na. Judging from the coincidence of the administration of TH and the onset of SIADH, no recurrence of SIADH after the cessation of TH, the mildness of tuberculosis, and the onset of SIADH in an already recovered case, we thought that SIADH in this case was causedly TH. Not only adrenal insufficiency but also SIADH should be considered when patients with tuberculosis show hyponatremia, and drugs on use should be reviewed as the possible cause of SIADH.     

A patient who sufferred pulmonary tuberculosis with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, after radiotherapy for pulmonary adenocarcinoma]

A 62-year-old man presented in June 2006 with right thoracic pain, cough, and weight loss, which had persisted for 3 months. Chest X-ray showed a mass-like shadow in the right pulmonary apex, suggesting a stage IIIb adenocarcinoma which was confirmed by biopsy. We gave a total radiation dose of 60 Gy, after this which general malaise and weakness were noted. The results of endocrinological examinations suggested syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Thoracic CT showed ground-glass opacity (GGO) in both lungs, and we could not rule out pulmonary tuberculosis. A sputum was positive for acid-fast stain and PCR-Tb, suggesting that SIADH was associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Water restriction, i.v. physiological saline, and antituberculosis therapy relieved hyponatremia and the symptoms.     

A case of pulmonary infectious disease due to Mycobacterium szulgai

A 49-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of cough and general fatigue. There was nothing unusual about his past history, and he has been healthy. On admission, a chest roentogenogram revealed an infiltrative shadow with a cavity in the left middle and lower fields. Because the acid fast staining of a bronchoscopic specimen was positive for mycobacteria, he was transferred to another hospital to be treated as pulmonary tuberculosis. Culture tests of multiple specimens were positive, and were identified as Mycobacterium szulgai, and the case was diagnosed as pulmonary atypical mycobacteriosis caused by M. szulgai. He was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol daily, but because of side effects, such as drug eruptions, all drugs were stopped. However, his clinical symptoms and infiltration shadow improved gradually. We described a rare case of pulmonary disease with Mycobacterium szulgai infection appearing in a healthy male without underlying diseases.     

An autopsy case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis accompanied by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

We report an autopsy-confirmed case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) accompanied by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with muscle weakness, dysarthria and dysphagia. During hospitalization, respiratory insufficiency was ingravescent, and hyponatremia, hypo-osmolarity, elevated osmotic pressure of urine, and elevated urinary sodium excretion were noted. Based on these findings we diagnosed ALS with SIADH, and treatment with infusion of concentrated NaCl was started. However, the patient died of respiratory failure on day 50. We assumed that severely restrictive ventilatory impairment was the cause of SIADH in this case.     

A case of interstitial pneumonia accompanying SIADH]

A 75-year-old man was transferred to our hospital on November 28, 2003 because of acute aggravation while being treated for interstitial pneumonia superimposed on pneumoconiosis at a local hospital. Upon admission, oxygen inhalation therapy and antimicrobial chemotherapy were started for the interstitial pneumonia. In addition, since he showed hyponatremia from admission, a saline load was administered and the clinical course was observed. However, disturbance of consciousness developed on January 5, 2004. At that time, the serum sodium was 115mEq/l. Since secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) had continued despite a low plasma osmolarity, we diagnosed syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). We initiated treatment with water restriction and saline load, but no remarkable improvement was observed. From February 7, 40mg /day prednisolone was started because of aggravation of interstitial pneumonia. As a result, the respiratory status and image findings improved, and serum sodium level was normalized. This case was considered to be SIADH secondary to interstitial pneumonia. Among respiratory tract diseases, SIADH is often caused by small cell lung carcinoma, although it may also occur concurrently with other respiratory tract diseases. Since hyponatremia may manifest grave disturbance of consciousness, investigation of the cause is important.     

Paroxetine-induced hyponatremia in an elderly man due to the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

We report an 82-year old man prescribed paroxetine who had hyponatremia and in whom the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone was diagnosed. He had taken sulpiride for depressed mental status. However, he showed parkinsonism, which was an adverse effect from the treatment of sulpiride. Therefore sulpiride was changed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine 10mg daily. His depressed mental status deteriorated after paroxetine treatment started. His depression had not lessened after 12 days, and the dosage was increased to 20mg daily. On the 15th day after starting paroxetine, routine laboratory tests showed that his serum sodium level was 126 mEq/l. We recognized that his confusion and loss of appetite were symptoms of hyponatremia, rather than of worsening depression. Laboratory data revealed hyponatremia, low serum osmolarity (242 mOsm/kg) with a relatively high level of serum antidiuretic hormone, and concentrated urine (439 mOsm/kg). We diagnosed the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), associated with paroxetine. The dosage of paroxetine was reduced gradually and the serum sodium level returned to normal on day 2 after medication ceased completely. Paroxetine produces fewer adverse effects than other types of antidepressants. However, its use can be associated with inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone in the body and may lead to SIADH, which is characterized by hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition that is typically asymptomatic until it becomes severe. SIADH is more likely in some populations, including the elderly. Serum sodium levels should be monitored closely, especially in elderly patients.     

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion is a common consequence of neurologic and pulmonary infections as well as drug intake and many other clinical situations. This report describes SIADH that developed in an elderly woman with single dermatomal herpes varicella zoster ophthalmicus without evidence of varicella zoster encephalitis or dissemination. A 76-year-old woman was admitted to our department for evaluation of left facial pain, confusion and disorientation. Further investigation revealed hyponatremia 112 mEq/L, low serum osmolality, high urine osmolality, normal renal function, normal adrenal and thyroid hormones, and high plasma vasopressin 40 pg/mL. These results indicate that the hyponatremia in this case was due to SIADH and that SIADH was caused by an increased release of vasopressin probably because of the antiviral drug (acyclovir) or infection of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in a single dermatome.     

A case of Candida albicans endocarditis with impaired lung function]

A 53-year-old male was admitted to the hospital because of Candida albicans endocarditis. He had had a thoracoplasty due to pulmonary tuberculosis and showed severe restructive lung function. In 1987 and '89, trachiostomy was made because of respiratory failure. The patient was well until nine months earlier, when he consulted a physician because of fever. The investigations failed in finding the cause of the fever. He was administered antituberculosis agents and antiinflammatory drugs but had a fever every day. Two months before admission, a cardiac ultrasonographic study showed evident vegetations with mitral regurgitation. From the above course and examinations, a diagnosis of Candida albicans endocarditis was made. Infusions of CEZ, TOB, PIPC and miconazole for more than one month was ineffective. In November, 1990, he was referred to our medical center for the purpose of operation. A blood culture proved Candida albicans infection. An intravenous administration of fluconazole 400 mg/day was begun. However, there was pulmonary bleeding probably due to heparin used for prevention of atrial thrombosis and he developed fever, hypoexemia, ventricular tachycardia, and hyponatremia. He underwent mitral-valve replacement with a SJM valve. Culture of the vegetated mitral valve again proved Candida albicans. After operation, hypoexemia, ventricular tachycardia, hyponatremia were improved gradually. However he had an eosinophilia, eruption, and dyspnea. We suspected a drug eruption of fluconazole. Lymphocyte stimulating test of fluconazole proved positive. After the episode, he had no symptoms and was discharged.     

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer

We report the first case of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer. A 64-year-old man with early gastric cancer was admitted to our hospital for ESD. Baseline laboratory tests showed a serum sodium concentration of 132 mEq l⁻¹. We performed an ESD for the gastric cancer, which was 9 mm in diameter and located in the posterior wall of the mid-gastric body. The patient experienced nausea and lethargy the second day after ESD. His serum sodium level was low (118 mEq l⁻¹), and he fulfilled the criteria for SIADH. Fluid restriction, infusion of normal saline, and administration of diuretics gradually increased his serum sodium level, and his symptoms disappeared. Endoscopists should recognize that SIADH is a potential complication of endoscopic procedures such as ESD, especially among patients with low baseline sodium concentrations.     

A case of pulmonary tuberculosis preceded by skin tuberculosis

We report a case of pulmonary tuberculosis, which was preceded by skin tuberculosis. 65-year old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of skin eruption which last one year. Skin biopsy proved granuloma with acid-fast bacilli. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by PCR examination using skin biopsy and skin tuberculosis was confirmed. Chest roentogenography demonstrated small nodules with bilateral infiltrates compatible with pulmonary tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis was attained by culture examination using sputa sample. In this case, skin tuberculosis was a first clinical sign to suggest pulmonary tuberculosis. Peripheral blood test showed that he has developed adult T-cell leukemia and this could be an important factor for developing skin tuberculosis. Although skin tuberculosis becomes rare disease, physician should pay attention for this disease as differential diagnosis of lasting eruption.     

Severe peripheral neuropathy, cardiac hypofunction, and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome]

A 64-year-old Japanese male was admitted to Kotoh General Hospital because of fever and cough on July, 14, 1997. Laboratory data showed hypereosinophilia (11,500/microliter) and high titer of anti-myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (319 EU). A physical examination revealed progressive peripheral neuropathy. He had been diagnosed as having bronchial asthma since November, 1996. Therefore, he was diagnosed as having Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). He was treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy (500 mg/day for 3 days) and oral prednisolone (PSL, 60 mg/day). However, peripheral neuropathy was rapidly progressive, and echocardiogram revealed cardiac hypofunction (ejection fraction (EF); 39%). He was refereed to Akita University Hospital for further examination. On admission, laboratory data showed hyponatremia (125 mEq/l) with inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, 13.0 pg/ml). Atrial natriuretic peptide was normal (26 pg/ml). Urinary osmorality was 488 mOsm/l, and urinary sodium excretion was 86 mEq/l. Renal, adrenal, and thyroid functions were normal. From these data, his hyponatremia was caused by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH). After cyclophosphamide-pulse therapy (500 mg) and oral administration of cyclophosphamide (50 mg/day) and PSL (50 mg/day), peripheral neuropathy improved gradually, and his serum sodium returned to normal, but cardiac hypofunction continued. A possible relationship between SIADH and CSS is discussed.     

Urinary retention: a cause of hyponatremia?

BACKGROUND: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of hyponatremia in elderly hospitalized patients; however in many patients the etiology remains unclear even after routine investigations. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of the association of hyponatremia and urinary retention in elderly hospitalized patients. PATIENTS: Six patients with hyponatremia and urinary retention who were admitted to the geriatric department in our hospital during a four-year period (2001-2004). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 85 years. The mean serum sodium level was 120 mEq/l, average volume of retained urine was 933 ml (range 500-1,500 ml). All patients underwent a comprehensive work-up seeking a possible cause for the hyponatremia. The diagnostic work-up was negative. In 5 of the patients the laboratory findings fulfilled the criteria for SIADH. In all patients hyponatremia resolved following urinary catheterization and fluid restriction. All patients made a complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially, urinary retention by itself may cause hyponatremia. The possible mechanism for this is SIADH, triggered by bladder distention or pain due to bladder distention. Urinary catheterization may be the key to treatment in these cases of hyponatremia.     

Prevalence and clinical demographics of cerebral salt wasting in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Hyponatremia is a frequent complication following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and is commonly attributed either to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSW). The object of this study is to elucidate the clinical demographics and sequelae of hyponatremia due to CSW in subjects with aneurysmal SAH. Retrospective chart review of patients >18 years with aneurysmal SAH admitted between January 2004 and July 2007 was performed. Subjects with moderate to severe hyponatremia (serum sodium <130 mmol l⁻¹) were divided into groups consistent with CSW and SIADH based on urine output, fluid balance, natriuresis, and response to saline infusion. Clinical demographics were compared. Of 316 subjects identified, hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mmol l⁻¹) was detected in 187 (59.2%) subjects and moderate to severe hyponatremia in 48 (15.2%). Of the latter group, 35.4% were categorized with SIADH and 22.9% with CSW. Compared to eunatremic subjects, hyponatremia was associated with significantly longer hospital stay (15.7 ± 1.9 vs. 9.6 ± 1.1 days, p < 0.001). Subjects with CSW had similar mortality and duration of hospital stay vs. those with SIADH. Though less common than SIADH, CSW was detected in approximately 23% of patients with history of aneurysmal SAH and was not clearly associated with enhanced morbidity and mortality compared to subjects with SIADH. Further studies regarding the pathogenesis and management, along with the medical consequences, of CSW are important.     

A case of tuberculosis showing immune reconstitution syndrome after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection

Abstract A 27-year-old man admitted for high fever, wet cough and abnormality on his chest radiograph. He was diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, and started treatment with INH, RFP, EB, and PZA. After other examinations, he was diagnosed as having a acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, too. We gave him zidovudine and lamivudine/ abacavir sulfate to treat HIV infection. After starting treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs his fever alleviated, but after 10 days from the start of anti-HIV drugs, he showed high fever, and abnormality of his chest radiograph exacervated. We diagnosed him as immune reconstitution syndrome, and gave him prednisolone 30 mg/day. His symptoms improved gradually.     

A case of sepsis and meningitis due to capsule-deficient Cryptococcus neoformans with SIADH

Capsule-deficient Cryptococcus neoformans (CN-CD) infection is very rare. The authors recently experienced the case of CN-CD infection with the complication of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in a 83 year old woman. She was admitted to our hospital with the complaints of fever and general fatigue on June 10, 1987. At the time of admission, there were no abnormal findings except a mildly lowered consciousness level on physical examination, there were no abnormal neurological finding nor meningeal signs. Laboratory data revealed a mild leukocytosis and hyponatremia. Chest X-P showed a few small nodular shadows scattered in both lungs. Antibiotics therapy was of no help and hyponatremia became worse. Then with the suspicion of SIADH, Demeclocycline was administered and limitation of water intake was decreased and hyponatremia improvement was used. Yeast-like fungi was detected in the venous blood culture and in the cerebrospinal fluid (cell count: 252/3) CN-CD by India-ink preparation and bacteriological nature were determined. We made a diagnosis of sepsis and meningitis by CN-CD accompanied with SIADH. In spite of Miconazole administration intravenously and intrathecally, she died 2 months after admission. The minimal inhibitory concentration (micrograms/ml) of antibiotics against the isolated CN-CD was as follows: Amphotericin B: 0.78, 5-PC: 1.56, Miconazole less than or equal to 0.05, Nystatin: 25, Ketoconazole: 0.78.