Adrenal Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 45-year-old woman presents with progressive hypertension and muscle weakness. Vital signs show BP 168/102 mmHg, HR 88 bpm, RR 14, temp 37°C, SpO2 98%. Laboratory studies reveal potassium 2.8 mEq/L, bicarbonate 32 mEq/L, elevated aldosterone (22 ng/dL), and suppressed plasma renin activity (0.3 ng/mL/hr). Abdominal CT demonstrates a 1.5-cm left adrenal adenoma. Renal function is normal. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- ASecondary aldosteronism from renal artery stenosis
- BAdrenal carcinoma with excessive renin production
- CPheochromocytoma with hypertensive crisis
- DPrimary aldosteronism (Conn syndrome)Correct answer
- EGlucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism
- FHypokalemic periodic paralysis with incidental adrenal adenoma
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