Adrenal insufficiency after unilateral adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism
Kønig, K.B.; Krarup, T.; Lund, J.O.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 164(3): 340-342
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 11816333 Document Number: 546361
A case of unexpected insufficiency of the remaining adrenal gland after unilateral adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism is described. The patient recovered from the initial disease, but postoperative tests repeatedly showed insufficient response to injection of ACTH. This case raises the question of interaction between the renin-angiotensin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of testing the function of the remaining adrenal gland after unilateral adrenalectomy.