1 Case of Primary Aldosteronism Caused by Adrenal Hyperplasia

부신증식으로 인한 원발성 Aldosterone증 1예

  • Park, Shie-Hwoa (Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine, Yeungnam University) ;
  • Choi, Soo-Bong (Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine, Yeungnam University) ;
  • Kim, Chong-Suhl (Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine, Yeungnam University)
  • 박시화 (영남대학교 의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 최수봉 (영남대학교 의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 김종설 (영남대학교 의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Published : 1986.06.30

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism is a disease that the stimulus for the excessive aldosterone production resides within the adrenal gland. It was first described by conn in 1955. And many cases were reported by physicians at present in the world. But it is relatively rare in Korea, probably due to lack of attension and medical facilities. Only about 13 cases have been reported at present. The clinical, biochemical features in 1 case of primary aldosteranism caused by adrenal hyperplasia that was diagnosed at Yeungnam University Hospital was observed and the following result were obtained. 1. Clinical feature: The present case was 27-year-old woman who was admitted due to general weakness and easy fatigability. The above mensioned chief complaints occurred 8 months prior to admission when she delivered of second baby by cesarian section. Symptoms such as above chief complaints, intermittent muscle paralysis and cramping were noticed. Trousseau's sign was also present. The average blood pressure ranged from 170/90 to 200/120. 2. Biochemical abnormalities: Severe hypokalemia lower than 2.5 mEq/L was presented and 24 hours urine potassium showed markedly increased urinary loss.(228 mEq/day). Plasma renin activity was decreased under normal range with furosemide administration.(Basal renin; 0.01ng/ml/hr, stimulated renin 0.12ng/ml/hr). Saline suppression test revealed markedly elevated levels of aldosterone higher than normal range. (Basal aldosterone; 320.68pg/ml stimulated aldosterone; 451.86pg/ml). And posture test showed decreased plasma renin activity and increased plasma aldosterone level. - PRA(ng/ml/hr)=Bsal: 0.05(0.15~2.33), Stimulated: 0.22(1.31~3.95) - Aldosterone(pg/ml)=Bsal: 242.77(10~160), Stimulated: 432.09(40~310) 3. Adrenal CT scan revealed no abnormal findings. 4. Treatment and course: Spironolactone was given at OPD with regular follow-up. Her blood pressure ranged from 150/90 to 160/100 and symptoms were improved. The effect of treatment was satisfactory and further follow up would be performed.

본 환자는 전신쇠약감 피로감, 고혈압과 혈청 potassium치가 저하되어 있고 혈청 Renin활성도가 감소되어 있으면서 Aldosterone억제 시험에도 억제가 되지 않았음을 볼 때 원발성 Aldosterone증을 의심할 수 있었다. 또 자세변화 시험에서 혈청 Renin활성도가 떨어져 있었고 자세변화에 따라 혈청 Aldosterone이 증가했으며 컴퓨터 단층촬영에서 별다른 병변이 뚜렷이 보이지 않음을 볼때 부신증식성 Aldosterone증으로 의심된다. 따라서 본 환자에게 spironolactone을 투여했고 이후 외래를 통해 추적검사 중이며 혈압 조절이 양호할 뿐 아니라, 불편을 느끼던 증상들도 호전이 되었음을 안 수 있었다. 끝으로 원발성 Aldosterone증에 대한 관심을 더 기울인다면 더 많은 증례가 발견될 것으로 사료되고, 본 저자들은 보다 많은 증례를 찾아 추후 증례보고및 추적검사할 예정이다.

Keywords