Hypokalemia-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Secondary to Adrenal Adenoma: A Case Report

Adrenal adenoma, which leads to increased production of the hormone aldosterone, commonly presents as hypertension and hypokalemia. Rhabdomyolysis as a result of hypokalemia secondary to primary hyperaldosteronism is a rare but important complication with only a few reported cases. Low potassium levels can disrupt the regulation of arteriolar musculature, leading to reduced blood flow to skeletal muscles. This hypoperfusion may ultimately result in ischemia and cause rhabdomyolysis. We present the case of a woman with complaints of weakness and fatigue; laboratory reports showed hypokalemia and elevated serum creatine kinase (CK), leading to a diagnosis of hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis. Further investigation revealed an adrenal adenoma, causing elevated aldosterone levels, which was then treated with a laparoscopic adrenalectomy, leading to the resolution of her symptoms.