When It’s Not Gastroparesis: Isolated Idiopathic ACTH Deficiency Presenting with Recurrent Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Authors

• Navya Pendyala, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• Ramya Pendyala, MD, Northwell Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital
• Anna Mathew, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• Beatriz Torre, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• Christopher Henry, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow

Abstract

Adrenal insufficiency is an uncommon but important cause of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. We present a 33-year-old male with recurrent nausea, vomiting, and presumed gastroparesis who was ultimately found to have isolated idiopathic ACTH deficiency after discordant diagnostic findings prompted further evaluation. His symptoms resolved rapidly with glucocorticoid replacement. This case highlights the importance of considering adrenal insufficiency in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic features despite negative structural work up and underscores the role of diagnostic anchoring in delayed diagnosis.

Recommended Citation

Pendyala, MD, Navya; Pendyala, MD, Ramya; Mathew, MD, Anna; Torre, MD, Beatriz; and Henry, MD, Christopher (2026) "When It’s Not Gastroparesis: Isolated Idiopathic ACTH Deficiency Presenting with Recurrent Gastrointestinal Symptoms," The Medicine Forum: Vol. 27, Article 21.
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/tmf/vol27/iss1/21