Lab abnormalities in Adrenal Crisis

Question: Name seven laboratory abnormalities expected in Adrenal Crisis.

Answer:

• Anemia
• Lymphocytosis
• Eosinophilia
• Hyponatremia
• Hyperkalemia
• Metabolic acidosis
• Hypoglycemia

#endocrinology

#laboratory-medicine

Further readings:

1. Vaidya A, Findling J, Bancos I. Adrenal Insufficiency in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2025 Aug 26;334(8):714-725. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.5485. PMID: 40522647.

2. Puar TH, Stikkelbroeck NM, Smans LC, Zelissen PM, Hermus AR. Adrenal Crisis: Still a Deadly Event in the 21st Century. Am J Med. 2016 Mar;129(3):339.e1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.08.021. Epub 2015 Sep 9. PMID: 26363354.

3. Lewis A, Thant AA, Aslam A, Aung PPM, Azmi S. Diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency. Clin Med (Lond). 2023 Mar;23(2):115-118. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2023-0067. PMID: 36958832; PMCID: PMC11046533.

4. Dineen R, Thompson CJ, Sherlock M. Adrenal crisis: prevention and management in adult patients. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Jun 13;10:2042018819848218. doi: 10.1177/2042018819848218. PMID: 31223468; PMCID: PMC6566489.