Hypokalemic Hypertension Leading to a Diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disease. Hypertension is common and occurs before decline in renal function. However, the coexistence of hypertension and hypokalemia is rare in ADPKD patients. We report on a 32-year-old woman with secondary aldosteronism. Magnetic resonance imaging of the renal arteries revealed multiple cysts of varying sizes in both the kidneys and the liver, compatible with ADPKD. Increased reninangiotensin-aldosterone system activity was secondary to cyst expansion. After initiation of angiotensin II receptor blocker, her blood pressure was controlled without additional requirement of potassium.

Primary Aldosteronism in a Patient with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Associated with Polycystic Liver Disease

“…Also, there are reported 3 cases of hypokalemia associated with hypertension due to secondary hyperaldosteronism in patient with ADPKD (21)(22)(23). Therefore, imaging by abdominal CT or MRI, are recommended for the correct diagnosis.…”