A 48-year-old man has resistant hypertension despite three medications. Potassium is 3.1 mEq/L without diuretic use. Plasma aldosterone-renin ratio

Question

A 48-year-old man has resistant hypertension despite three medications. Potassium is 3.1 mEq/L without diuretic use. Plasma aldosterone-renin ratio is elevated on repeat testing. He has no renal artery bruit. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

Accepted Answer

Autonomous aldosterone secretion causing renal potassium wasting

Answer

Cortisol deficiency causing salt wasting

Answer

Pituitary prolactin excess

Answer

Catecholamine surges from adrenal medulla

Answer

Reduced antidiuretic hormone secretion

Primary hyperaldosteronism — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 48-year-old man has resistant hypertension despite three medications. Potassium is 3.1 mEq/L without diuretic use. Plasma aldosterone-renin ratio is elevated on repeat testing. He has no renal artery bruit. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?