(2)
Signs and symptoms. Included are the following:
(a) Decline in potassium level in the blood (hypokalemia) which results
in muscle weakness.
(b)
Concentration of urine by the kidneys is difficult (polyuria).
(c) Elevation in blood sodium (hypernatremia) which results in
excessive thirst (polydipsio) and high blood pressure (hypertension).
(3) Treatment. One possible treatment is unilateral adrenalectomy (removal
of the adrenal gland). Another possible treatment is administration of spironolactone ( a
potassium- sparing diuretic) and sodium restriction; this treatment has been successful
in controlling the condition without surgery.
d. Pheochromocytoma.
(1) Description. A pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the chromaffin cells
which is usually found in the adrenal medulla.
(2)
Signs and symptoms. Included are:
(a) Hypertension.
(b)
Tachycardia.
(c)
Tremor.
(d) Excessive perspiration.
(e) Hyperglycemia.
(f)
Polyuria (passage of abnormally large quantities of urine).
(g)
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting.
(h) Abnormal sensation (burning, tingling, or numbness) in the
extremities, possibly.
Treatment. Usually, the tumor is removed surgically.
(3)
MD0583
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