Primary Aldosteronism Complicated by Severe Hypokalemic Myopathy

A 36-year-old man was admitted because of muscle weakness. He had a history of hypertension since the age of 20 years. He worked in a hot and humid environment, and his symptoms first appeared at work. He was diagnosed with hypokalemic myopathy. He exhibited a right-hand grasping power of 0 kg and walking difficulties. Further examination revealed a right adrenal gland adenoma and led to a diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA). Because PA can now be screened by measuring aldosterone and renin in plasma, PA with extreme myopathy, like the present case is very rare. The causes of the myopathy were considered to be excessive sodium intake and dehydration.