Gout and Hyperuricemia after Adrenalectomy for Hypertension

Abstract

BETWEEN 1950 and 1959, 171 patients with severe hypertensive cardiovascular disease underwent bilateral total or subtotal adrenalectomy and sympathectomy at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in an effort to lower their blood pressure. Most of these patients achieved an excellent hypotensive response at a time when effective anti-hypertensive drugs were not yet available.¹ Currently, 105 patients survive. During the course of semiannual examinations performed after adrenalectomy acute gouty arthritis was observed in 11 patients. Study of this group has afforded a unique opportunity to evaluate not only hypertensive cardiovascular disease but also adrenal factors as they may relate . . .