[Hypertension due to persistent hypokalemia: a complex case]

Endocrinol Nutr. 2009 Nov;56(9):459-62. doi: 10.1016/S1575-0922(09)72967-5.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

High grade of suspect must be present to diagnose some of the multiple causes of secondary blood hypertension. In the literature, there are reports that describe the coincidence of 2 different aetiologies of secondary hypertension in one patient, but both of endocrine origin. This one is the first time that a case with simultaneity of fibromuscular dysplasia and hyperaldosteronism in the same patient is described. This is the case of a 40-year-sold hypertensive patient, with a normal previous study of secondary hypertension, which after presenting HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) during a pregnancy with foetal death was studied again to rule out a secondary aetiology for her hypertension. After various studies were performed the patient was diagnosed as having two secondary causes for her hypertension: primary hyperaldosteronism and fibromuscular dysplasia, and after a guided treatment, optimal control for blood pressure was attainted. With this clinical case we show the importance of the clinical suspicion and the need for perseverance in the diagnoses of secondary blood hypertension, and also the exclusivity of this case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / etiology*
  • Hypokalemia / complications*
  • Hypokalemia / drug therapy