Article: Coexistence of pheochromocytoma, adrenal adenoma and hypokalemia

A 56-year-old woman had a 22-year history of hypertension. Investigation showed hypokalemia and kaliuresis without pronounced suppression of plasma renin activity or elevation of urinary aldosterone excretion. There was biochemical evidence of catecholamine metabolite excess but the usual clinical features of pheochromocytoma were absent. Laparotomy revealed a pheochromocytoma and adrenal adenoma in the right adrenal gland. Excision of the tumours was followed by resolution of the hypertension and metabolic abnormalities.

Citing Articles

Coexistence of Pheochromocytoma and Primary Aldosteronism due to Multiple Aldosterone-producing Micronodules in the Ipsilateral Adrenal Gland.

Ugi S, Yonishi M, Sato D, Nakaizumi N, Horikawa O, Fujita Y Intern Med. 2023; 62(18):2685-2691.

PMID: 36725043 PMC: 10569916. DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1012-22.

References

1.

Williams G, CROCKETT C, BUTLER 3rd W, CRISPELL K . The coexistence of pheochromocytoma and adrenocortical hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1960; 20:622-31. DOI: 10.1210/jcem-20-4-622. View

2.

NICKEL J, Smythe C, PAPPER E, Bradley S . A study of the mode of action of the adrenal medullary hormones on sodium, potassium and water excretion in man. J Clin Invest. 1954; 33(12):1687-99. PMC: 1072600. DOI: 10.1172/JCI103049. View

3.

COPE O, Labbe J, RAKER J, BLAND E . Pheochromocytoma and adrenal cortical adenoma; report of a case with both tumors and discussion of their relation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1952; 12(7):875-80. DOI: 10.1210/jcem-12-7-875. View

4.

MELONI C, Tucci J, CANARY J, KYLE L . Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia caused by a benign adrenal medullary tumor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1966; 26(11):1192-200. DOI: 10.1210/jcem-26-11-1192. View

5.

Mathison D, Waterhouse C . Cushing's syndrome with hypertensive crisis and mixed adrenal cortical adenoma-pheochromocytoma (corticomedullary adenoma). Am J Med. 1969; 47(4):635-41. DOI: 10.1016/0002-9343(69)90193-4. View

6.

Reid I, Schrier R, Earley L . An effect of extrarenal beta adrenergic stimulation on the release of renin. J Clin Invest. 1972; 51(7):1861-9. PMC: 292334. DOI: 10.1172/JCI106988. View

7.

Cain J, Tuck M, Williams G, Dluhy R, Rosenoff S . The regulation of aldosterone secretion in primary aldosteronism. Am J Med. 1972; 53(5):627-37. DOI: 10.1016/0002-9343(72)90158-1. View

8.

Wilson R, Craig G, MILLS I . Metabolic studies in a patient with a phaeochromocytoma associated with hypokalaemia and hyperaldosteronism. J Endocrinol. 1973; 56(1):69-78. DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.0560069. View

9.

MASSARA F, Tripodina A, Rotunno M . Propranolol block of epinephrine-induced hypokaliaemia in man. Eur J Pharmacol. 1970; 10(3):404-7. DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(70)90214-1. View

10.

Granger P, Genest J . Autopsy study of adrenals in unselected normotensive and hypertensive patients. Can Med Assoc J. 1970; 103(1):34-6. PMC: 1930349. View

11.

. Pheochromocytoma: current concepts of diagnosis and treatment. Combined clinical staff conference at the National Institutes of Health. Ann Intern Med. 1966; 65(6):1302-26. View

Coexistence of Pheochromocytoma, Adrenal Adenoma and Hypokalemia