Type II pseudohypoaldosteronism. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A 56-year-old white female presented with longstanding hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, and hypertension. Renal function was normal. Plasma renin levels were low as were serum and urinary aldosterone. Plasma cortisol levels were normal. Fludrocortisone was ineffective in lowering serum potassium. Plasma renin and aldosterone levels responded appropriately to salt restriction and to postural changes. Plasma atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH) and urinary prostaglandins (PG) were normal. Salt loading resulted in suppression of renin and aldosterone levels and stimulation of plasma ANH and urinary PG but failed to increase potassium or chloride excretion. The persistent hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, and suppressed renin-aldosterone axis were consistent with type II pseudohypoaldosteronism. Hydrochlorothiazide was effective in normalizing serum potassium levels and blood pressure. These studies exclude abnormalities in ANH and PG secretion in this disorder and are compatible with an abnormality in chloride reabsorption.