# Beyond Gastroenteritis: A Case of Salmonella Infection Leading to Adrenal Insufficiency

**Authors:** Thwe Thwe Wint Htal, Aye Pyae Tin Hla, Aye Moh Moh Paing, Kyaw Thura, Clare Pollard

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94443 · Cureus · 2025-10-13

## TL;DR

A rare case of adrenal insufficiency caused by a Salmonella infection in a healthy young man is reported, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis.

## Contribution

This case report highlights an uncommon cause of adrenal insufficiency in an immunocompetent individual.

## Key findings

- A 20-year-old male developed bilateral adrenal abscesses from Salmonella Saintpaul infection.
- Adrenal insufficiency occurred secondary to disseminated Salmonella infection.
- The case underscores the importance of considering adrenal involvement in septic patients with unexplained symptoms.

## Abstract

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), or Addison’s disease, is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and management. While most cases are autoimmune, other causes include infections such as Salmonella, though this is rarely reported. We describe a case of bilateral adrenal abscesses and adrenal insufficiency secondary to disseminated Salmonella Saintpaul infection in a previously healthy 20-year-old male following travel to Thailand. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of adrenal involvement in septic patients with persistent fever and electrolyte imbalances, even in immunocompetent individuals.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Primary adrenal insufficiency (MONDO:0015128), Addison’s disease (MONDO:0100480), Salmonella infection (MONDO:0000827), adrenal insufficiency (MONDO:0000004)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Salmonella Infection (MESH:D012480), infections (MESH:D007239), autoimmune (MESH:D001327), Addison's disease (MESH:D000224), Gastroenteritis (MESH:D005759), fever (MESH:D005334), adrenal abscesses (MESH:D000038), Adrenal Insufficiency (MESH:D000309)
- **Species:** Salmonella (genus) [taxon 590], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12516929/full.md

## References

16 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12516929/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12516929