Two Case of Primary Aldosteronism Induced by Aldosterone Producing Adrenal Adenoma in a Family

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism, is defined as a group of disorders characterized by the excess of aldosteron, with suppressed rennin activity, resulting in hypertension and hypokalemia. In most cases, primary aldosteronism is sporadic due to a unilateral adrenal adenoma or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Familial hyperaldosteronism is a rare cause of primary aldosteronism and its prevalence has not been established well. We describe two cases of primary aldosteronism in a family involving a sister and brother due to an aldosterone producing adenoma in the left adrenal gland. Their hypokalemia and hypertension were cured by complete resection of the adrenal adenoma. Genetic analyses could not be done because of patients’ rejection. (Endocrinol Metab 27:329-333, 2012)