Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Teknologi MARA
MyJurnal

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism (PA) causes a persistently elevated blood pressure (BP) due to
excessive release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Classically, it is called
Conn’s syndrome and is described as the triad of hypertension and hypokalemia with the
presence of unilateral adrenal adenoma. It can be cured with surgical resection of the
aldosterone-secreting adenoma leading to resolution of hypertension, hypokalemia and
increased cardiovascular risk associated with hyperaldosteronism. We present a case of a man
with previous ischemic heart disease (IHD) who presented with resistant hypertension.
Investigations for secondary causes of hypertension revealed an elevated aldosterone level
and saline suppression test confirmed the diagnosis of PA. Radiological examination revealed
a left adrenal adenoma and a normal right adrenal gland. However, adrenal venous sampling
showed lateralization of aldosterone secretion towards the right. He subsequently underwent
a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy which improved his BP control promptly. This case
highlights the importance of recognizing the need to investigate for secondary causes of
hypertension. It also underscores the importance of dynamic tests, which may not be easily
accessible to most clinicians but should pursue, to allow a definitive diagnosis and effective
treatment.