Glucocorticoids‐Induced Adrenal Insufficiency With Intractable Vomiting: A Case Report

An 80-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a one-year history of recurrent reflux and vomiting, accompanied by mild fatigue and decreased appetite. Despite initial treatment with prokinetic agents, his symptoms showed minimal improvement. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including imaging and laboratory tests, ruled out common gastrointestinal disorders (such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and functional dyspepsia), intracranial pathologies, and other systemic conditions. Given his clinical presentation and a long-standing history of chronic glucocorticoid use, glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency was suspected as the underlying cause. Notably, after one month of hydrocortisone treatment, the patient exhibited significant clinical improvement, with no other discomfort symptoms. At present, he has been off corticosteroid treatment for six months without experiencing any other symptoms.