Ventricular fibrillation: An extreme presentation of primary hyperaldosteronism

Patients with primary aldosteronism often present with hypokalemia and hype rtension. Primary aldosteronism presenting as sudden death due to ventricul ar fibrillation is described in an otherwise healthy 37-year-old woman. Aft er successful direct current cardioversion, serum potassium was 1.4 mmol/L. Investigations revealed a suppressed renin level, elevated serum aldostero ne and a right adrenal nodule found on imaging. Ventricular fibrillation ha s not previously been described as a presention of a biochemically and surg ically proven aldosterone-producing adenoma. This case highlights the impor tance of early detection and proper diagnosis of secondary hypertension bef ore serious sequelae occur.