Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency presenting with arthritis: A case report

This case report describes a case of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency that presented with arthritis. Initial investigations, including blood tests, imaging, and musculoskeletal ultrasonography, did not confirm any specific connective tissue disease, making it initially difficult to identify the cause of the arthritis. Subsequent adrenal crisis led to the diagnosis of isolated ACTH deficiency through comprehensive endocrine evaluation. The patient's musculoskeletal symptoms, together with generalised symptoms, were resolved following corticosteroid replacement therapy. This report highlights isolated ACTH deficiency as a rare but one of the causes of polyarticular joint pain and underscores the importance of considering endocrine disorders in the differential diagnosis of unexplained arthritis, particularly when accompanied by systemic symptoms.