Autonomic dysfunction and adrenocortical unresponsiveness to ACTH.

A child is reported with adrenocortical unresponsiveness to ACTH and autonomic dysfunction. The latter consisted of cold extremities, progressive loss of tear production, the development of achalasia of the esophagus, pupillary dysfunction, and an abnormal histamine skin test. These findings suggest progressive parasympathetic denervation as a cause for the adrenocortical abnormality.