Remission during pregnancy of severe Chronic Hypertension due to 11-ß Hydroxylase Deficiency

Abstract

When hypertension is a result of an underlying identifiable abnormality, the latter's early discovery can lead to a timely cure of the hypertension and the prevention of its complications. We present a case of high blood pressure lowered by pregnancy, suggestive of an endocrine cause. This was confirmed following a detailed history which revealed severe hypertension intractable to therapy, yet which remitted during pregnancy. A diagnosis of 11-beta hydroxylase deficiency was made consequent upon the finding of raised serum 11-desoxycorticosterone levels. The blood pressure was finally controlled with glucocorticoid replacement therapy and spironolactone.