Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type II and selective hypoaldosteronism in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa

A 53-year-old man with retinitis pigmentosa, who had two years' complaints of general malaise and muscle weakness, noticed occasional attacks of the cramps of the lower legs about three months prior to admission. At that time, hypocalcemia (7.6 mg/dl) and hyperphosphatemia (5.2 mg/dl) were pointed out. On admission, serum potassium was high-normal or high (4.4 - 4.9 mEq/l). Endocrinological studies revealed the findings of pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type II, including a normal urinary cyclic AMP but blunted phosphaturic response to synthetic human parathyroid hormone (PTH), a high level of serum amino-terminal fragment of PTH with a low level of serum calcium and its ionized form, and a high-normal level of nephrogenous cyclic AMP. This patient also had selective hypoaldosteronism, as shown by intermittent hyperkalemia, low plasma and urinary levels of aldosterone and normal glucocorticoid levels. Plasma renin activity was normal but responded to a greater extent to furosemide plus upright posture. Plasma aldosterone was low and responded poorly to furosemide plus upright posture and graded angiotensin II infusions. The possible explanations for the association of PHP type II and selective hypoaldosteronism in this patient with retinitis pigmentosa are discussed.