An 81-Year-Old Man Presenting with Asthenia and Anorexia After an Alcohol-Induced Hypoglycemic Coma and a Diagnosis of Central Adrenal Insufficiency: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse inhibits the ability of the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, primarily by inhibiting gluconeogenesis, so chronic alcohol abusers exhibit hypoglycemia after drinking alcohol without eating; this is called alcohol-induced hypoglycemia. Central adrenal insufficiency (AI) is characterized by cortisol deficiency due to a lack of adrenocorticotropic hormone. It is challenging to diagnose central AI, as it usually presents with nonspecific symptoms, such as asthenia, anorexia, and a tendency toward hypoglycemia. Here, we report a rare case of central AI that presented with AI symptoms shortly after an alcohol-induced hypoglycemic coma. CASE REPORT An 81-year-old Japanese man who had been a moderate drinker for >40 years developed a hypoglycemic coma after consuming a large amount of sake (alcohol, 80 g) without eating. After the hypoglycemia was treated with a glucose infusion, he rapidly recovered consciousness. After stopping alcohol consumption and following a balanced diet, he had normal plasma glucose levels. However, 1 week later, he developed asthenia and anorexia. The endocrinological investigation results indicated central AI. He was started on oral hydrocortisone (15 mg/day), which relieved his AI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Cases of central AI associated with alcohol-induced hypoglycemic attacks have been reported. Our patient developed AI symptoms following an alcohol-induced hypoglycemic attack. His alcohol-induced hypoglycemic attack likely occurred in combination with a developing cortisol deficiency. This case highlights the importance of considering central AI in chronic alcohol abusers presenting with nonspecific symptoms, including asthenia and anorexia, especially when patients have previously experienced alcohol-induced hypoglycemic attacks.