Adrenal insufficiency in the COVID-19 era

摘要

to the editor: COVID-19 has resulted in more than 450,000 deaths in the United States (1). Latest reports suggest that the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 are not limited to the lungs, but affect a number of vital organs, including the endocrine glands. It was reported that patients with COVID-19 are subjected to structural adrenal gland changes during the illness course (2). Histological findings report focal necrosis of the adrenal gland and vasculitis of the small veins (2, 3). Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the hypo-thalamic-pituitary system, suggesting the possibility of underlying hypophysitis (4). Thus, undiagnosed primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency may contribute to the high mortality rates associated with COVID-19.