Primary Hyperaldosteronism Presenting as Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report

TL;DR

A patient with undiagnosed primary hyperaldosteronism suffered cardiac arrest due to severe low potassium and was later successfully treated with surgery.

Contribution

Highlights a rare and severe presentation of primary hyperaldosteronism as a cause of cardiac arrest.

Findings

The patient's cardiac arrest was caused by severe hypokalemia due to primary hyperaldosteronism.

Adrenal vein sampling confirmed the diagnosis, and left adrenalectomy resolved the condition.

Abstract

Primary hyperaldosteronism is an underdiagnosed cause of hypertension despite its increasing prevalence and strong association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early recognition is critical. Individuals with primary aldosteronism generally present with treatment-resistant hypertension and hypokalemia. Here, we present the case of a patient who experienced cardiac arrest due to severe hypokalemia and was subsequently diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism, confirmed through adrenal vein sampling. The condition was successfully treated with a left adrenalectomy.

Figures