[Primary hyperaldosteronism with paroxysmal arterial hypertension. Apropos of 2 operated cases]

Primary hyperaldosteronism usually causes moderate hypertension. It is rare to note as in our two patients intermittent attacks of paroxysmal hypertension. The diagnosis of aldosteronism will be suspected on the finding of persistent hypokalemia with acidosis. It will be confirmed by laboratory examinations severe fall in plasma renin activity and rise in aldosterone in the adrenal veins. To determine the affected side, one may carry out adrenal phlebography which is a difficult technic, and/or a scan using iodine cholesterol which is benign and precise. Surgery with removal of the adenomatous hyperplasia in one case and of an adenoma in the other, gave one very good result.