Pathogenesis of Hypokalemic Alkalosis in Cushing's Syndrome

Authors:
  • NCNicholas P. Christy
    Nicholas P. Christy
  • JLJohn H. Laragh
    John H. Laragh
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
HYPOKALEMIC alkalosis has been variously reported as common2 , 3 and rare4 in Cushing's syndrome. Plotz, Knowlton and Ragan5 reported 4 cases of severe hypokalemia in 31 patients with this disease. Bagshawe4 and Allott and Skelton6 pointed out the concurrence of Cushing's syndrome, hypokalemia and neoplasms of extra-adrenal origin, and Bagshawe7 described the association of severe hypokalemic alkalosis with adrenal metastases from primary tumors of the bronchus and prostate.At least three hormonal mechanisms might be invoked to explain the electrolyte disturbance. These are excessive adrenocortical secretion of aldosterone, Cortisol or mineralocorticoids that are not secreted in large amounts under normal conditions . . .

This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit: