Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome: a case report

Authors

  • Rute Daniela Moreno Daniela Rocha Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Tempo de Cuidar, ULS Tâmega e Sousa. Gandra, Portugal.
  • Nuno Rodrigues Médico Assistente de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Tempo de Cuidar, ULS Tâmega e Sousa. Gandra, Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i4.13851

Keywords:

Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, Central insipid diabetes, Vasopressin

Abstract

Introduction: Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome is a rare entity characterized by excessive water intake and increased urine elimination. The associated nonspecific symptoms make it likely to be initially presented at the primary health care level, with the need for a detailed clinical history and requests for complementary diagnostic tests to characterize these complaints. Once identified, it requires multidisciplinary management with support from secondary health care.

Case description: In this article, we present the case of a 44-year-old woman with symptoms of sudden onset, intense polydipsia, polyuria, and amenorrhea, common and non-specific symptoms at the primary health care level. After the initial clinical evaluation and complementary studies, the patient was referred to an endocrinology hospital, where she was diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus due to a lesion in the pituitary gland. The patient was started on desmopressin and cabergoline with relief of complaints.

Commentary: The case illustrates the importance of primary health care in managing complex symptoms, interdisciplinary collaboration, and appropriate referral of patients. This effective approach allows timely diagnosis and proper treatment, translating into gains for the population’s health.

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References

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2. Refardt J. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of diabetes insipidus: update. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;34(5):101398.

3. Timper K, Fenske W, Kühn F, Frech N, Arici B, Rutishauser J, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of copeptin in the differential diagnosis of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome: a prospective multicenter study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(6):2268-74.

4. Verbalis JG. Acquired forms of central diabetes insipidus: mechanisms of disease. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;34(5):101449.

Published

2025-09-05

How to Cite

Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome: a case report. (2025). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 41(4), 359-62. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i4.13851