5th April 2024

A 36-year-old content creator is admitted to hospital following a collapse.

 a collapse. She gives a recent history of weight loss, lethargy and anorexia. Her past medical history is significant for hypothyroidism, for which she takes 75 mcg of levothyroxine. 

On examination, hyperpigmentation is noted to her palmar creases and her finger prick blood glucose test returns at 3.9 mmol/L. Her serum bloods show new hyperkalaemia with hyponatremia and normal thyroid function results. You suspect she may have Addison’s disease. What is the mechanism of hyperkalaemia in her case?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.