A Rare Case of Primary Hyperaldosteronism Resulting in Severe Hypokalemia

Hyperaldosteronism often clinically manifests as hypertension with mild to moderate hypokalemia. However, in rare cases, it can also present primarily with severe hypokalemia. In this case report, we will be discussing our patient, a 43-year-old woman who presented with abdominal cramps and vomiting, along with severe muscle cramps resulting in an inability to walk. She was found to have an undetectable level of serum potassium and prolonged QT interval on her ECG. After aggressive electrolyte correction and further imaging and endocrinology studies, she was diagnosed to have primary hyperaldosteronism. She was appropriately referred for urgent outpatient adrenalectomy, which turned out to be curative. Our case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, interventions, and multidisciplinary care for patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-04-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82069
Primary Topic
Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Rare Case of Primary Hyperaldosteronism Resulting in Severe Hypokalemia

Yousef Al-Asa’d, Shaefiq Thappy, Ali Aqel, Aya Janan Qassim et al.
8 links
Cureus
Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension
article

A Rare Case of Primary Hyperaldosteronism Resulting in Severe Hypokalemia

Yousef Al-Asa’d, Shaefiq Thappy, Ali Aqel, Aya Janan Qassim, Saad Sameer
article en

Abstract

Hyperaldosteronism often clinically manifests as hypertension with mild to moderate hypokalemia. However, in rare cases, it can also present primarily with severe hypokalemia. In this case report, we will be discussing our patient, a 43-year-old woman who presented with abdominal cramps and vomiting, along with severe muscle cramps resulting in an inability to walk. She was found to have an undetectable level of serum potassium and prolonged QT interval on her ECG. After aggressive electrolyte correction and further imaging and endocrinology studies, she was diagnosed to have primary hyperaldosteronism. She was appropriately referred for urgent outpatient adrenalectomy, which turned out to be curative. Our case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, interventions, and multidisciplinary care for patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

CureusVol. 17(4)
Hamad General Hospital (QA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 90%
Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension
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