Acute Non‐Hemorrhagic Adrenal Infarction in a Diabetic Patient: A Rare but Critical Consideration in Acute Abdominal Pain

TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare case of adrenal infarction in a diabetic patient, highlighting its importance in diagnosing unexplained abdominal pain.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of ANHAI in a diabetic patient, emphasizing its diagnostic challenges and clinical significance.

Findings

ANHAI should be considered in patients with unexplained abdominal pain and hypercoagulable conditions.

CT scans with capsular sign are key diagnostic tools for ANHAI.

Early diagnosis is critical to prevent adrenal insufficiency.

Abstract

Acute non‐hemorrhagic adrenal infarction (ANHAI), though rare, should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with unexplained abdominal pain, especially those with underlying hypercoagulable conditions or risk factors for thrombosis. Timely recognition and diagnosis are paramount to prevent complications, including adrenal insufficiency. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing ANHAI, with CT scans typically showing an enlarged, hypo‐attenuated adrenal gland and the presence of the capsular sign offering valuable diagnostic clues. Here, we present a middle‐aged diabetic woman who presented with severe left flank pain, nausea, and vomiting and was finally diagnosed with ANHAI.

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