Geller Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Persistent Hypokalemia During Pregnancy

Abstract

Geller syndrome is a rare disease and part of Mendelian forms of hypertension. This syndrome is caused by a mutation in the mineralocorticoid receptor with a resultant gain of function. It is characterized by hypertension and hypokalemia, which is exacerbated by the effect of progesterone and thereby presenting during pregnancy. Our patient is a 22-year-old female diagnosed with preeclampsia who presented with hypokalemia, refractory to treatment toward the end of her third trimester. The patient's hypokalemia resolved once she delivered her infant. Genetic testing is available, which can confirm the diagnosis of Geller syndrome. The management is supportive therapy and requires close monitoring of the patient and her fetus. Delivery of the fetus results in the resolution of both hypertension and hypokalemia.