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Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 2001;12(4): 528-535. |
| A case of The Primary Aldosteronism with Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis |
| Ryeok Ahn, Won Kim, Gyu Chong Cho, Jung Suck Hong, Mi Woo Lee, Sung Eun Jang, Se Hyun Oh, Kyoung Soo Lim |
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Korea. amcer1010@hanmail.net
2Department of Dermatology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Korea.
3Department of Emergency Medicine, Kangnung Hospital, Korea. |
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| ABSTRACT |
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Primary aldosteronism is a syndrome characterized by hypertension, hypokalemia, suppressed plasma renin activity, and elevated serum aldosterone levels. Conn first described it 1955 in association with adrenal cortical adenoma(Conn's syndrome). Today, it can be divided into at least six distinctive subgroups. The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism is usually suspected when the patient presents with poorly controlled hypertension with hypokalemia. The main issues in the evaluation of primary aldosteronism are to differentiate an adenoma from hyperplasia and to localize the adenoma. Basic hormonal studies and computed tomographic(CT) scanning can be used effectively for that differentiation. An adenoma is one of a few potentially curable forms of hypertension, and it is best treated by removing the adrenal tumor. We experienced a case of a typical adrenal adenoma. The patient was a 37-year-old male who had experienced in both his legs over a period of several days a weakness due to hypokalemia. He was diagnosed using basic hormonal studies and adrenal CT scanning. After, he received laparoscopic adrenalectomy and was discharged with improved condition. |
| Key words:
Primary aldosteronism, Adrenal adenoma, Hypokalemic periodic paralysis |
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