J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2001 Dec;12(4):528-535.

A case of The Primary Aldosteronism with Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

• Ahn R
• Kim W
• Cho GC
• Hong JS
• Lee MW
• Jang SE
• Oh SH
• Lim KS

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism is a syndrome characterized by hypertension, hypokalemia, suppressed plasma renin activity, and elevated serum aldosterone levels. Conn first described it 1955 in association with adrenal cortical adenoma(Conn's syndrome). Today, it can be divided into at least six distinctive subgroups. The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism is usually suspected when the patient presents with poorly controlled hypertension with hypokalemia. The main issues in the evaluation of primary aldosteronism are to differentiate an adenoma from hyperplasia and to localize the adenoma. Basic hormonal studies and computed tomographic(CT) scanning can be used effectively for that differentiation. An adenoma is one of a few potentially curable forms of hypertension, and it is best treated by removing the adrenal tumor. We experienced a case of a typical adrenal adenoma. The patient was a 37-year-old male who had experienced in both his legs over a period of several days a weakness due to hypokalemia. He was diagnosed using basic hormonal studies and adrenal CT scanning. After, he received laparoscopic adrenalectomy and was discharged with improved condition.

Keyword

Primary aldosteronism; Adrenal adenoma; Hypokalemic periodic paralysis

MeSH Terms

Adenoma
Adrenalectomy
Adult
Aldosterone
Diagnosis
Humans
Hyperaldosteronism*
Hyperplasia
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis*
Leg
Male
Plasma
Renin
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Aldosterone
Renin