Primary Aldosteronism: Diagnosis and Management
Document Type
Review
Publication Date
10-1-2016
Description
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an important and commonly unrecognized cause of secondary hypertension. Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and aldosterone-producing adenomas account for more than 95% of PA and are characterized, respectively, by bilateral or unilateral involvement of the adrenal glands. When there is suspicion for the presence of PA, a plasma aldosterone to renin ratio should be obtained initially. Localization to determine adrenal gland involvement is done by imaging, with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. After imaging, adrenal vein sampling is done to establish treatment options. Patients with unilateral disease, who are good surgical candidates, are most appropriately managed with adrenalectomy. A biochemical cure is almost certain following adrenalectomy; however, only 30-50% of patients would show adequate blood pressure improvement. Patients with bilateral adrenal disease and those believed not to be surgical candidates are managed with mineralocorticoid antagonists.
Citation Information
Gyamlani, Geeta; Headley, Carol M.; Naseer, Adnan; Valaulikar, Ganpat S.; and Geraci, Stephen A.. 2016. Primary Aldosteronism: Diagnosis and Management. American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Vol.352(4). 391-398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjms.2016.06.015 PMID: 27776721 ISSN: 0002-9629