Abstract

The relapse of autoimmune diseases following resolution of Cushing syndrome (CS) has been established with frequency, especially for thyroid disease. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with a history of psoriasis vulgaris, with no other comorbidities. She presented a one-year of weight gain, high blood pressure, hypermenorrhea, pre-diabetes and dyslipidemia. During this period of time, the complete remission of psoriatic lesions was confirmed. The laboratory analysis demonstrated elevated free urinary cortisol in two opportunities, and a confirmatory low-dose dexamethasone test. Low ACTH levels were established (12,3pg/ml), and the abdominal images where compatible with a right adrenal adenoma of 3,0 x 2,3 cm, so the patient underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy with no complications. Her blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels improved following surgery. One month after surgery the patient developed new, generalized psoriatic plaques. The excess of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal tumor could have controlled the immunopathogeny of psoriasis. By removing the tumor, with the consequent reduction of cortisol levels, a more severe relapse of her cutaneous disease occurred.