PS-R03-9: PERIODIC PARALYSIS AS A PRESENTATION OF PRIMARY HYPERALDOSTERONISM: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: the typical clinical presentations of patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) include generalized weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure and potassium deficiency. However, onset of PA with periodic paralysis is rare. Design and method: herein, we present the case of a 40-year-old, Caucasian women (BMI 25,6 kg/m2) with severe resistance arterial hypertension (BP 200–190/110–120 mmHg while taking antihypertensive drugs: valsartan 320 mg/day, bisoprolol 5 mg, hydrochlorthiasid 12,5 mg, amlodipin 10 mg/day, spironolacton 25 mg/day) and muscle weakness. Over the last 2 years prior to presentation, she had multiple such episodes of generalized weakness and losing the ability to stand up, move limbs, wich typically lasted for few minutes to hours/days and resolved spontaneously. Her blood pressure was uncontroled despite taking antihypertensive drugs. She was hospitalized several times because of these conditions, but there is no data on potassium levels during that period. Due to misdiagnosis, she was operated on twice (discectomy C5-C6, C6-C7 and resection of the right internal carotid artery due to pathological tortuosity), but her condition did not improve. Results: At the presentation U waves were registered in the electrocardiography the laboratory examination revealed low plasma potassium level (3,05 mmol/l). Serum TSH, cortisol level were normal. Pasma aldosteron level was 38,6ng/dl (n. 4–31). CT abdomen: adenoma of left adrenal gland. Surgical adrenalectomy was performed. Pathological diagnosis was a bening cortical adenoma. Outcomes: Patient's serum potassium level became normalized after surgical removal of adrenal adenoma. Patient's blood pressue is controlled (130/80 mmHg) by taking a fixed combination perindopril 10 mg/indapamid 2,5 mg/amlodipin 10 mg daily and there is no muscle weakness. Conclusions: Patients with periodic acute muscles weakness and arterial hypertension should monitor electrolyte levels, especially potassium, and evaluate for primary hyperaldosteronism to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment.