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A Woman with Normotensive Primary Hyperaldosteronism
Sedighe Moradi1, Mohammadreza Shafiepour2, Alireza Amirbaigloo1
1Institue of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Acta Medica Iranica
|March 22, 2016
Summary
Normotensive hyperaldosteronism, a rare condition, can present without high blood pressure. This case highlights a young woman with weakness, hypokalemia, and an adrenal mass, leading to successful treatment and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Oncology
Background:
- Normotensive hyperaldosteronism is a rare endocrine disorder.
- Diagnosis typically involves hypokalemia or an adrenal mass.
- This case presents a unique instance of this condition.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old female presented with weakness, normal blood pressure, and hypokalemia.
- Laboratory results showed high plasma aldosterone and suppressed plasma renin activity.
- A saline load test did not suppress aldosterone levels, and adrenal CT revealed a left adrenal mass.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with normotensive hyperaldosteronism.
- Treatment included spironolactone, potassium supplementation, and surgical adrenalectomy.
- Pathology confirmed a benign adrenocortical adenoma without capsular invasion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering normotensive hyperaldosteronism in patients with unexplained hypokalemia, even with normal blood pressure.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention for adrenal adenomas, can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria for this rare disorder is warranted.
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