The role of vitamin K in the non-operative management of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage on a background of antiphospholipid syndrome and coagulopathy: a case report

Abstract

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (BAH) is a rare condition, which can easily become a serious threat to life. It is even rarer in the setting of antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS), which in itself is associated with coagulopathy as well as the need for lifelong anticoagulation. Death from BAH is commonly due to adrenal insufficiency from infarction within the gland. Our case is that of a 53-year-old woman with APLS who presented to the emergency department with a markedly raised international normalized ratio and bilateral loin pain. She developed adrenal insufficiency and required glucocorticoids while on admission. Her anticoagulants were also adjusted and she received vitamin K. She made good progress thereafter and was discharged after 11 days. Vitamin K should be considered in patients with markedly deranged clotting profile and BAH to prevent ongoing bleeding. Early adrenal axis testing is also recommended to forestall delayed diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency.