Myopathy with hyperaldosteronism. An electron-microscopic study. 1977

M Gallai

In the case reported, an overproduction of aldosterone was accompanied by paretic attacks, a decrease in the serum potassium level, and in muscle tone and the deep tendon reflexes. The decrease of serum potassium level was consistent, but moderate, being to just below the normal lower limit. Loading with carbohydrate produced an attack, forearm ischaemic exercise resulted in less lactic acid production than normally. In the limb-girdle muscles there was also evidence of slight but permanent weakness. The results of histological and ultrastructural examination of a muscle biopsy are reported. It seems probable that the disturbance in the mineralo-corticoid metabolism led periodically to a decrease in the serum potassium, while in some muscle fibres the glycogen content increased and the SR became dilated and partially destroyed. In the attack-free periods tubular aggregates were produced, supposedly through an attempt at regeneration of the SR. During attacks portions of the muscle fibres were destroyed irreversibly and in consequence moderate permanent weakness resulted. Some spheromembranous degradation products which were observed might be regarded as remnants of degenerated tubular aggregates.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009132 Muscles Contractile tissue that produces movement in animals. Muscle Tissue,Muscle,Muscle Tissues,Tissue, Muscle,Tissues, Muscle
D009135 Muscular Diseases Acquired, familial, and congenital disorders of SKELETAL MUSCLE and SMOOTH MUSCLE. Muscle Disorders,Myopathies,Myopathic Conditions,Muscle Disorder,Muscular Disease,Myopathic Condition,Myopathy
D011188 Potassium An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006929 Hyperaldosteronism A condition caused by the overproduction of ALDOSTERONE. It is characterized by sodium retention and potassium excretion with resultant HYPERTENSION and HYPOKALEMIA. Aldosteronism,Conn Syndrome,Conn's Syndrome,Primary Hyperaldosteronism,Conns Syndrome,Hyperaldosteronism, Primary,Syndrome, Conn,Syndrome, Conn's
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D013577 Syndrome A characteristic symptom complex. Symptom Cluster,Cluster, Symptom,Clusters, Symptom,Symptom Clusters,Syndromes

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