Hypoaldosteronism physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Patients with hypoaldosteronism usually appear fatigued. Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle tenderness, hyporeflexia/areflexia and cardiac arrhythmias. The physical exam may also represent findings of underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy.
Physical Examination
Patients with hypoaldosteronism usually appear fatigued. Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle tenderness, hyporeflexia/areflexia and cardiac arrhythmias. The physical exam may also represent findings of underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy.
Appearance of the Patient
Vital Signs
Skin
If hypoaldosteronism is from Addison's disease, changes in skin and hair may be observed such as:
- Pigmented skin and mucous membranes - darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin, including areas not exposed to the sun; characteristic sites are skin creases (e.g. of the hands), nipples, and the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa), also old scars may darken.
- Absence of axillary and pubic hair in females as a result of loss of adrenal androgens.
Heart
Hyperkalemia can lead to:
Neuromuscular
- Hyponatremia is unusual in isolated hypoaldosteronism since ADH is under inhibitory control of cortisol. However, in patients of Addison's disease as a cause of hypoaldosteronism, there is decreased level of cortisol and aldosterone. Since there is no inhibition of ADH from cortisol, this leads to increased free water absorption and hyponatremia. Patients with hyponatremia may present with confusion when serum sodium level is <115 mmol/L.
- Hyporeflexia/areflexia
Extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tenderness
- Fasciculations
- Depressed deep tendon reflexes