Primary Hyperaldosteronism: An Unusual but not a Rare Entity
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Abstract
A 36 years old gentleman presented to hospital with symptoms of viral illness. In addition to fever, he was found to have blood pressure of 240/160 mm Hg which was confirmed by repeated measurements. There was no evidence of target organ damage. His febrile illness turned out to be due to swine flu. Due to severe hypertension, he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for parenteral antihypertensive drug therapy. He had unexplained severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. The possibility of primary hyperaldosteronism was considered, plasma aldosterone level was high and plasma renin activity was low, confirming the (biochemical) diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism. He underwent additional work-up and was given specific antihypertensive drugs. The case illustrates classical features of primary hyperaldosteronism, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
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