A 50-year-old female presents with lightheadedness and overall abnormal feelings. CT scan reveals an adrenal cortical tumor. Lab tests reveal that the tumor is hormone secreting. Which of the following would be expected?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adrenal cortical tumors that secrete hormones, such as aldosterone or cortisol, can cause electrolyte imbalances. In this case, aldosterone secretion from the tumor would lead to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys, causing hypokalemia. Increased renin levels and hypotension would be expected in cases of primary aldosteronism, but this is not necessarily the case with an adrenal cortical tumor. Hyponatremia would not be expected in this scenario.

A 50-Year-Old Female Presents with Lightheadedness and Overall Abnormal Feelings