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[Conn adenoma manifesting as reversible tetraparesis and rhabdomyolysis]
J J Mourad1, P Milliez, J Blacher
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Broussais, Paris, France.
Introduction:
Primary hyperaldosteronism is an uncommon cause of hypertension which classically features hypokaliemia, metabolic alkalosis and excessive urinary potassium excretion. Clinical manifestations of hypokalemia rarely reveal the diagnosis.
Exegese:
We report the case of a hypertensive patient who developed quadriparesis and rhabdomyolysis induced by a severe hypokalemia. Clinical manifestations were reversible after potassium supplementation. Laboratory and radiological findings led to the diagnosis of an aldosterone-producing adenoma. Surgical treatment allowed correction of electrolyte abnormalities and improvement of hypertension.
Conclusion:
Although primary aldosteronism is rare, it should be systematically considered when arterial hypertension is associated with hypokalemia, even if the potassium depletion is due to diuretic therapy.