Use of abdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in a cat

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000 Jul 15;217(2):213-5, 197. doi: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.213.

Abstract

A 13-year-old castrated male cat was examined because of a 2-week history of weakness, cervical ventroflexion, and dysphagia. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included hypokalemia and high serum creatine kinase activity. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 15-mm spherical mass in the area of the left adrenal gland. Plasma aldosterone concentration was high, and plasma renin activity was low. Findings were diagnostic of primary hyperaldosteronism. The cat responded well to intravenous and oral potassium supplementation while in the hospital. The owner declined surgery; therefore, repeated follow-up abdominal ultrasonography was recommended. The cat did well clinically with medical management alone until day 334, when it was lost to follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / veterinary
  • Adrenal Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Glands / pathology
  • Animals
  • Biopsy, Needle / veterinary
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hyperaldosteronism / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperaldosteronism / veterinary*
  • Hyperplasia
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography