A Rare Case of Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type II or Gordon Syndrome

Introduction: Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA II) or Gordon Syndrome is a rare, autosomally inherited disease with unknown prevalence. It is caused by mutations in the WNK1, WNK4, CUL3, or KLHL3 gene. It is characterized by hypertension, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and low plasma aldosterone levels, but otherwise normal kidney function. The age of onset of PHA2 is variable, ranging from infancy or childhood to adolescence and adultdood. The electrolyte and blood pressure abnormalities of PHA II is often managed with salt restriction and hydrochlorthiazide (HCTZ). Here we report a rare case of Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II in an adolescent patient. Case Presentation: A 16-yo female with past medical history of asthma and anemia presented to the emergency department with acute severe abdominal/suprapubic pain, associated with diaphoresis, non bloody diarrhea and non bilious non bloody vomiting. The patient also reported daily headaches relieved with Tylenol. In the ED, she was found to be hypertensive at 190/118 mmHg. Blood count showed mild anemia but normal white count and platelets. Comprehensive metabolic panel showed sodium 140, potassium 6.6, chloride 115, bicarbonate 16, creatinine 0.5, and normal liver enzymes. Urine electrolytes were as follows: sodium 189, potassium 20.8 and chloride 140. Arterial Blood Gas ahowed pH of 7.32. Plasma renin activity was low normal at 0.34 and aldosterone level was 2. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis was unremarkable. The blood work was consistent with pseudohypoaldosteronism type II or Gordon syndrome. The patient was adopted so there was no family history. She was started on hydrochlorothiazide. Later, she developed severe itching reaction with hydrochlorthiazide. She is currently being treated with Indapamide, with well controlled blood pressure and normal electrolytes. Conclusion: Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II or Gordon’s Syndrome is a rare disease, with usually autosomal dominant inheritance, with no specific diagnostic criteria for diagnosis. It should be suspected in adolescent or adult patients with hyperkalemia with normal glomerular filtartion, accompanied by hypertension (can be absent), metabolic acidosis, hyperchloremia, decreased plasma renin, relatively suppressed aldosteronism and family history of similar findings.