Arterial hypertension with secondary hyperaldosteronism, reversible by nifedipine, in systemic scleroderma

A case of severe hypertension with secondary hyperaldosteronism developing in a 71 year old woman affected by "Crest" syndrome is reported. The patient was treated by nifedipine, which led to the correction of blood pressure, plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone. The role of renal arteries vasospasm and renin-angiotension system in the genesis of scleroderma is discussed.