A 45-year-old man with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain suggests which specific endocrine disorder?

Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in this scenario is highly indicative of an adrenal crisis, which is a critical condition stemming from acute adrenal insufficiency. In the context of endocrine disorders, an adrenal crisis can occur during periods of extreme physical stress, illness, or after abrupt cessation of glucocorticoid therapy in patients who rely on these steroids due to adrenal insufficiency.

Patients experiencing an adrenal crisis typically present with severe abdominal pain, coupled with other symptoms such as hypotension, altered mental status, and dehydration, which are critical and require immediate medical attention. The distress associated with this condition can lead to abdominal pain as a manifestation of underlying organ dysfunction or inflammation due to the lack of adequate cortisol levels, which is essential for maintaining vascular stability and metabolic functions.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically present with sudden severe abdominal pain as their primary symptom. Hyperthyroidism might lead to a range of symptoms including weight loss, heat intolerance, and tremors but not acute abdominal pain. Cushing's syndrome involves chronic hypercortisolism, leading to symptoms related to obesity, hypertension, and other metabolic disturbances rather than acute abdominal pain. Phaeochromocytoma, characterized by episodic catecholamine release, can cause