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Published:
Jul 16, 2013Keywords:
Conn's syndrome Cardiac Arrest Adrenal tumor Nigerian Female.
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Suspected Conn's Syndrome in A Female Adult Hypertensive: A Case Report.
Abstract
Background: The presentation of adrenal adenoma with ventricular fibrillation and sudden death is rare. Ventricular fibrillation is the most common cause of sudden death. Coronary artery disease, cardiac valvular or myocardial diseases, and non -cardiac abnormalities may also lead to ventricular fibrillation. We present a patient with recurrent ventricular fibrillation and associated adrenal tumour.
Methods: The case records of the index patient and a review of the literature on the subject.
Result: A 39 year old hypertensive woman presented in the accident and emergency department of the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital with a history of extreme weakness and inability to walk of four day duration. While being evaluated, she had a cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated. She had two more episodes of cardiac arrest in the Intensive care unit. Investigations revealed ventricular fibrillation from ventricular tachycardia and severe hypokalaemia with metabolic alkalosis. Abdominal CT scan revealed a right adrenal mass. ACTH level, serum and urinary cortisol levels were normal. A diagnosis of Conn's syndrome was made and patient did well on spironolactone and other antihypertensives as she awaits surgery.
Conclusion : There is a need for high index of suspicion for the secondary causes of hypertension while dealing with young patients and whenever there is an unusual presentation. This case highlights the need for proper investigation of patients.
Key Words: Conn's syndrome; Cardiac Arrest; Adrenal tumor; Nigerian Female.
Methods: The case records of the index patient and a review of the literature on the subject.
Result: A 39 year old hypertensive woman presented in the accident and emergency department of the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital with a history of extreme weakness and inability to walk of four day duration. While being evaluated, she had a cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated. She had two more episodes of cardiac arrest in the Intensive care unit. Investigations revealed ventricular fibrillation from ventricular tachycardia and severe hypokalaemia with metabolic alkalosis. Abdominal CT scan revealed a right adrenal mass. ACTH level, serum and urinary cortisol levels were normal. A diagnosis of Conn's syndrome was made and patient did well on spironolactone and other antihypertensives as she awaits surgery.
Conclusion : There is a need for high index of suspicion for the secondary causes of hypertension while dealing with young patients and whenever there is an unusual presentation. This case highlights the need for proper investigation of patients.
Key Words: Conn's syndrome; Cardiac Arrest; Adrenal tumor; Nigerian Female.
