Yeungnam Univ J Med.  2012 Dec;29(2):113-117. 10.12701/yujm.2012.29.2.113.

A Case of Primary Aldosteronism Accompanied by Hypokalemic Rhabdomyolysis

• Kim HI
• Baek SA
• Hwang HS
• Lee WH
• Kang GW
• Lee IH

• KMID: 2049809
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2012.29.2.113

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism is characterized by hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis, associated with excessive aldosterone production and suppressed plasma renin activity. Hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis has been rarely reported in primary aldosteronism patients. This paper reports a case of primary aldosteronism presented with rhabdomyolysis due to severe hypokalemia. A 48-year-old male with a three-year history of hypertension presented himself at the authors' hospital with generalized weakness and myalgia in both legs over a period of several days. His laboratory findings showed hypokalemia (1.8 mEq/L) with elevations of his serum creatine phosphokinase and serum myoglobin. His plasma aldosterone level was also elevated, and his plasma renin activity was reduced. An abdominal computed tomography revealed a 2.0 cm hypodense mass in the left adrenal gland, which suggested adrenal adenoma. The accordingly underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Three months later, his plasma potassium level and blood pressure became normal without the use of medications.

Keyword

Primary aldosteronism; Hypokalemia; Rhabdomyolysis

MeSH Terms

Adenoma
Adrenal Glands
Adrenalectomy
Aldosterone
Alkalosis
Blood Pressure
Creatine Kinase
Humans
Hyperaldosteronism
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Leg
Male
Myoglobin
Plasma
Potassium
Renin
Rhabdomyolysis
Aldosterone
Creatine Kinase
Myoglobin
Potassium
Renin