ALDOSTERONE-PRODUCING ADENOMA PRESENTING AS REVERSIBLE TETRAPLEGIA AND RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Introduction, - Primary hyperaldosteronism is an uncommon cause of hyp ertension which classically features hypokaliemia, metabolic alkalosis and excessive urinary potassium excretion. Clinical manifestations of hypokalemia, rarely reveal the diagnosis. Exegese, - We report the ca se of a hypertensive patient who developed quadriparesis and rhabdomyo lysis induced by a severe hypokalemia. Clinical manifestations were re versible after potassium supplementation. Laboratory and radiological findings led to the diagnosis of an aldosteron-producing adenoma. Surg ical treatment allowed correction of electrolyte abnormalities and imp rovement of hypertension. Conclusion. - Although primary aldosteronism is rare, it should be systematically considered when arterial hyperte nsion is associated with hypokalemia, even if the potassium depletion is due to diuretic therapy. (C) 1998, Elsevier, Paris.