Symptomatic Hypokalemia in a 19-Year-Old Student

• Main Authors: Sara Pereira, André Salgueiro, Paula Rosa, Carla Peixoto, Marta Ferreira, David Silva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Karolinum Press 2020-01-01
• Series: Acta Medica
• Subjects: primary hyperaldosteronism; hypokalemia; hypertension; aldosterone-producing adenomas; Conn syndrome
• Online Access: https://actamedica.lfhk.cuni.cz/63/3/0137/

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary arterial hypertension and is frequently undiagnosed. It affects all ages but is more frequent between 20 and 60 years old. The clinical presentation is variable, and the diagnosis is based on screening and, in equivocal cases, confirmatory tests. A 19-year-old student presented with complaints of extreme fatigue, arterial hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, raising a high index of suspicion for PA. Screening tests were performed and its expressiveness excluded the need of confirmatory tests. CT-scan showed a unilateral adrenal adenoma and the patient was submitted to laparoscopic adenectomy without complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid long term complications of PA.