Myalgias and muscle contractures as the presenting signs of Addison's disease

Severe generalized myalgias and muscle contractures of the lower extremities were the major initial manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in a 26 year old black male. The intensity of increased skin pigmentation was not fully appreciated until the patient's skin colour was compared to that of his brother. Replacement with physiological doses of gluco- and mineralocorticoids was associated with complete amelioration of symptomatology.