Korean J Med.  2003 Jul;65(1):111-114.

A case of nephrocalcinosis with primary aldosteronism

• Shin BC
• Kim BY
• Ryu BK
• Kim HL
• Chung JH

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism is defined as hypertension, hypokalemia, increased serum aldosteron, decreased serum renin activity. It has been known that prolonged hypokalemia, renal cyst formation and impairment of renal function. However, nephrocalcinosis associated with primary aldosteronism is rarely reported. A 31-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and uncontrolled hypertention which developed 2 years earlier. At admission, blood pressure 180/100 mmHg. Biochemical findings indicated sodium 146 mEq/L, potassium 2.3 mEq/L, BUN 8.2 mg/dL, creatinine 1.1 mg/dL, calcium 10.7 mg/dL, phosphate 5.7 mg/dL, magnesium 1.8 mg/dL. Twenty-four hour urine collection indicated sodium 108 mEq, potassium 32 mEq, calcium 75 mg, phosphate 72 mg, magnesium 8.0 mg. The hormone study revealed PTH 22.7 pg/mL (normal: 9~55 pg/mL), ACTH 8 pg/mL (normal: 6~56.7 pg/mL), aldosterone 51.0 ng/dL (normal: 1~16 ng/dL), plasma renin activity below 0.01 ng/mL/hr (normal: 0.15~233 ng/mL/hr). Abdominal sonography showed homogenous increased medullary echoes and multiple calcification. The abdomen CT showed adrenal mass (1 x 1 cm) consistent with adrenal tumor. Adrenalrectomy was performed on the 16th hospital day and clinical symptoms, blood pressure and hypokalemia improved shortly after operation.

Keyword

Primary aldosteronism; Hypokalemia; Nephrocalcinosis

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Abdominal Pain
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Adult
Aldosterone
Blood Pressure
Calcium
Creatinine
Humans
Hyperaldosteronism*
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Magnesium
Male
Nephrocalcinosis*
Plasma
Potassium
Renin
Sodium
Urine Specimen Collection
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Aldosterone
Calcium
Creatinine
Magnesium
Potassium
Renin
Sodium