Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What is the typical arterial blood gas (ABG) finding in Conn's syndrome?

  1. Hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis

  2. Hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis

  3. Normal

  4. Respiratory acidosis

The correct answer is: Hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis

In Conn's syndrome, which is primary hyperaldosteronism, there is excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal glands. This leads to increased reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys, which results in sodium retention and consequent water retention, raising blood volume and blood pressure. Importantly, aldosterone also promotes the excretion of potassium, which results in hypokalemia (low potassium levels). The retention of sodium and the resultant increases in blood volume can lead to a state of metabolic alkalosis, as the body compensates for the volume overload and manages the acid-base balance. Therefore, the typical arterial blood gas finding in Conn's syndrome is hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis.

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