Primary aldosteronism presenting with an atypical aldosterone-renin ratio in the acute phase of cerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

The aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) is considered to be the most reliable and sensitive screening parameter for primary aldosteronism (PA). However, little is known regarding how stroke influences the ARR. We herein present a case of a 35-year-old man who was ultimately found to have PA after diagnostic challenges. The patient showed an atypical ARR in the acute phase of cerebral hemorrhage. We therefore conclude that the ARR may be inappropriately decreased immediately after stroke in patients with PA, presumably due to sympathetic activation and the effects of medications. When diagnosing PA in patients with stroke, we suggest reevaluating the ARR in the stable phase.