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Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome

Written by Himabindhu
Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Apr 03, 2015
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Other Names :  

Fulminant meningococcemia, Friderichsen-Waterhouse syndrome

What is Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome ?  

A condition developed due to failure of adrenal gland, caused by bleeding into the adrenal glands. The bleeding is caused by severe bacterial infection, most commonly the meningococcus.


Cause(s) :  The causal bacteria include:
  • Meningococcus bacterial infection
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Cytomegalovirus
Symptoms :  
  • Fever
  • Rigors
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Macular rash
  • Cyanosis of extremities
  • Low blood pressure
Diagnosis and Tests :  
  • Blood tests
  • Serum electrolytes
  • Blood urea nitrogen
  • Sodium and calcium levels
  • CT scan of adrenals
  • MRI scan
Specialist to consult :  Nephrology

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