Primary hyperaldosteronism presenting with rhabdomyolysis in emergency room – Case report

Abstract

Primary hyperaldosteronism, is a well-known cause of secondary hypertension, mostly idiopathic hypertension or arising from aldosterone-producing adenomas. It is characterized with resistant hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis related with aldosterone production excess and plasma renin activity suppression. Hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis usually presents with muscle pain, cramps, fatigability and generalized weakness. Rhabdomyolysis due to hypokalemia is a rare complication of primary hyperaldosteronism reported within a limited number of cases in medical literature. Diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism is fundamentally important because of the probability of certain cure with accurate surgery. Here, we report a 38-year-old female with hypertension related with primary hyperaldosteronism who presented with rhabdomyolysis most likely due to profound hypokalemia.

Keywords

• Hypokalemia
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Primary aldosteronism
• Adrenal adenoma