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[Arterial hypertension with secondary hyperaldosteronism, reversible by nifedipine, in systemic scleroderma]
Annales De Medecine Interne
|January 1, 1983
Insights
A 71-year-old woman with CREST syndrome experienced severe hypertension and secondary hyperaldosteronism. Nifedipine treatment successfully corrected her blood pressure and hormone levels, suggesting a role for the renin-angiotensin system.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- CREST syndrome, a variant of systemic sclerosis, can present with complex systemic manifestations.
- Secondary hyperaldosteronism is a recognized complication that can exacerbate hypertension.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old female patient with CREST syndrome developed severe hypertension.
- The patient also exhibited secondary hyperaldosteronism, characterized by elevated plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels.
Findings:
- Treatment with nifedipine effectively managed the patient's severe hypertension.
- Nifedipine administration normalized plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels.
- The case highlights the potential involvement of renal artery vasospasm and the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of scleroderma-related hypertension.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring and managing secondary hyperaldosteronism in patients with CREST syndrome.
- Pharmacological interventions targeting the renin-angiotensin system may be beneficial in managing complex hypertension in systemic sclerosis.
- Further research into the interplay between vascular dysfunction and hormonal imbalances in scleroderma is warranted.
Abstract:
A case of severe hypertension with secondary hyperaldosteronism developing in a 71 year old woman affected by "Crest" syndrome is reported. The patient was treated by nifedipine, which led to the correction of blood pressure, plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone. The role of renal arteries vasospasm and renin-angiotension system in the genesis of scleroderma is discussed.