Eight-day survival without adrenal steroids

JAMA. 1977 Apr 18;237(16):1715-6.

Abstract

A patient with advanced breast cancer who had undergone a total bilateral adrenalectomy in the past refused adrenal steroid replacement therapy with the idea that this would be the easiest and quickest way to end her life. However, she continued to live for more than eight days. Survival under these circumstances is unusual, and the terminal course of her illness is described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / physiology*
  • Adrenalectomy*
  • Attitude to Death
  • Attitude to Health
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cortisone*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Cortisone