Journal List > Endocrinol Metab > v.27(4) > 1085982

Jang, Kim, Eom, and Lee: Two Case of Primary Aldosteronism Induced by Aldosterone Producing Adrenal Adenoma in a Family

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism, is defined as a group of disorders characterized by the excess of aldosteron, with suppressed rennin activity, resulting in hypertension and hypokalemia. In most cases, primary aldosteronism is sporadic due to a unilateral adrenal adenoma or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Familial hyperaldosteronism is a rare cause of primary aldosteronism and its prevalence has not been established well. We describe two cases of primary aldosteronism in a family involving a sister and brother due to an aldosterone producing adenoma in the left adrenal gland. Their hypokalemia and hypertension were cured by complete resection of the adrenal adenoma. Genetic analyses could not be done because of patients' rejection.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Computed tomography (CT) finding in case 1 and 2. (A) Case 1. An enhanced mass measured 1.5 cm in left adrenal gland. (B) Case 2. A nodular mass measured about 1 cm in medial rim of left adrenal gland.
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Fig. 2
Histology of adrenal adenoma in case 1 and 2. (A) The cells form sheets and nests exhibit uniform nuclei and clear cytoplasm due to their high lipid content (H&E stain, × 200). (B) The cells arrange in nests and groups and have abundant lipid vacuoles (H&E stain, × 200).
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Table 1
The result of renin stimulation test in case 1 and 2
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*Renin reference range: supine, 0.15-2.33 pg/mL; erect, 1.31-3.95 pg/mL; Aldosteron reference range: supine, 10.00-160.00 pg/mL; erect, 40.00-310.00 pg/mL.

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