Primary hyperaldosteronism

Abstract

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a challenging diagnosis because of its low incidence and variable pathophysiology. Serum potassium, properly done, is the routine screening test, but is not without its limitations. Confirmation of the diagnosis requires demonstration of abnormally high and nonsuppressible values for aldosterone in plasma and urine and low plasma renin activity. Sophisticated biochemical profiling and localization procedures often are required to identify those subtypes that will benefit from surgical management, including aldosterone-producing adenomas, primary adrenal hyperplasia, unilateral hyperplasia, and aldosterone-producing renin responsive adenomas. Glucocorticoid-suppressible hyperaldosteronism and isolated aldosterone-producing adrenal carcinoma are rare additional subtypes to be identified. Differentiation among these subtypes is a developing process that can be expected to continue to improve with new techniques and new understanding of underlying pathophysiology.