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Liddle's syndrome in an elderly woman
T Matsushita1, Y Miyahara, M Matsushita
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Sakamoto.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|June 18, 1998
Summary
Liddle's syndrome, a rare inherited condition, can affect elderly patients presenting with hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and muscle weakness. Early diagnosis and treatment with medications like triamterene are crucial for managing this hypertensive disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Liddle's syndrome is a rare, inherited form of hypertension characterized by early onset and severe clinical manifestations.
- It is typically diagnosed in younger individuals, often overlooking its potential presentation in the elderly population.
Observation:
- An elderly woman with hypertension presented with hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.
- Diagnostic workup revealed suppressed plasma renin activity and low aldosterone levels, atypical for common causes of hypertension.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Liddle's syndrome, a genetic disorder of the kidney tubules.
- Treatment with triamterene, a potassium-sparing diuretic, effectively managed her electrolyte abnormalities and hypertension.
Implications:
- This case highlights that Liddle's syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypertension in elderly patients, even with atypical presentations.
- Muscle weakness, a key clinical sign, may be more prominent in older individuals with this condition.
- Recognizing Liddle's syndrome in diverse age groups is essential for timely and appropriate management of hypertensive diseases.