[Conn adenoma manifesting as reversible tetraparesis and rhabdomyolysis].
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Service de médecine interne, hôpital Broussais, Paris, France.
J J
JJ
Mourad
P
P
Milliez
J
J
Blacher
M
M
Safar
X
X
Girerd
D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000209:etiology*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tétraparésie réversible et rhabdomyolyse révélatrices d'un adénome de Conn.