Rifampicin induced adrenal crisis in an uncommon setting

Adrenal crisis occurs when there is decreased secretions of steroid hormones (mainly cortisol) from the adrenal glands due to varied reasons. It may arise due to a primary adrenal condition or due to decreased hormonal signals from the pituitary secondary to a hypofunctioning pituitary. Hypopituitarism may result due to direct causes like trauma, tumour, infection or it may be due to some vascular insult as seen in Sheehan syndrome. We report an unusual presentation of Sheehan syndrome in the form of life-threatening adrenal crisis precipitated by the usage of rifampicin.