HYPERKALEMIC PARALYSIS DUE TO ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY.

Abstract

FLACCID muscle paralysis due to electrolyte imbalance is seen in a number of clinical entities. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis 1 and the paralysis of primary aldosteronism 2 are due primarily to a low serum potassium. Hyperkalemia due to renal failure 3 or hyperkalemic periodic paralysis 4 can cause a similar clinical picture. Since some degree of hyperkalemia is usually seen with adrenal insufficiency, it is surprising that flaccid muscle paralysis has not been more frequently observed in association with Addison's disease. To date there have been only six cases reported. 5-10 The following patient, who had had a bilateral adrenalectomy eight months previously for control of malignant hypertension, is the seventh. Report of Case History. —A 41-year-old carpenter was first admitted to Kansas City Veterans Hospital in 1961 for severe hypertension. On his initial admission he had a blood pressure of 280/160 and papilledema with retinal hemorrhages. His blood pressure could