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.
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 hypertensivepatient 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.