Diagnostic features of normotensive primary aldosteronism and literature review

Abstract

Objective \nTo explore the diagnostic features of normotensive primary aldosteronism (PA). \n \n \nMethods \nThe clinical data of a normotensive PA patient admitted to the Department of Endocrinology of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University on May 4, 2018 were analyzed retrospectively and literatures were reviewed. \n \n \nResults \nA 39-year-old female patient was hospitalized because of 3-year limb weakness and numbness, and 2-day deterioration. The patient presented normotension, hypokalemia (2.10 mmol/L), high aldosterone level (465.83 pmol/L) and low rennin level (2.90 ng/L). CT scan displayed a right adrenal cortical adenoma (23 mm×18 mm). The patient was diagnosed with PA eventually. Interestingly, the blood pressure was normal during the whole period. \n \n \nConclusion \nNormotensive PA should be considered when a patient presents hypokalemia paralysis without hypertension. \n \n \nKey words: \nHyperaldosteronism;\xa0Aldosterone;\xa0Normotension;\xa0Hypokalemia