Metabolic studies in a patient with a phaeochromocytoma associated with hypokalaemia and hyperaldosteronism.

Abstract

SUMMARY A case of phaeochromocytoma with hypokalaemia, hyperaldosteronism, normal cortisol production and normal urinary corticosteroid excretion is described. Both α-adrenergic blockade and combined α and β blockade resulted in marked antidiuresis with urinary sodium and potassium retention and a rise in plasma volume. Combined α and β blockade led to some reduction in the high aldosterone production rate. The hypokalaemia was corrected by α-adrenergic blockade. After operative removal of the tumour the aldosterone production rate was normal. The marked reduction in urinary sodium excretion in response to α-adrenergic blockade, if reproducible in other cases of phaeochromocytoma, might be a useful test for the presence of a phaeochromocytoma.