Hyperaldosteronism
| Definition |
|---|
- Hyperaldosteronism is a syndrome resulting from excessive levels of the adrenocortical hormone aldosterone.
| Etiologies |
|---|
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome)
- Usually due to an aldosterone-secreting Adrenocortical adenoma
- Secondary Hyperaldosteronism
- Due to inappropriately excessive response of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
- Example: Renal Artery Stenosis
- Differentiation of Etiologies
- Primary and Secondary Hyperaldosteronism can be distinguished by measuring plasma renin levels
- Primary Disease: Low renin levels observed as RAAS is inhibited due to hypertension
- Secondary Disease: High renin levels observed as over-activity of the RAAS itself is to blame for hyperaldosteronism
| Morphology |
|---|
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome)
- Usually small, solitary or multiple, well-encapsulated adenoma within a largely normal adrenal cortex
- Secondary Hyperaldosteronism
- No specific morphology to be aware of.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- The clinical consequences of Hyperaldosteronism are exaggerations of the Physiological Actions of Aldosterone
- Hypertension: Due to excessive retention of Na+
- Hypokalemia: Due to excessive secretion of K+
- Metabolic Alkalosis: Due to excessive secretion of H+ (less common clinically)
| Treatment |
|---|
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn Syndrome)
- Surgical resection of adenoma
- Conn Syndrome is rare but a very correctable form of hypertension
- Secondary Hyperaldosteronism
- Correction of underling pathophysiological process leading to excessive RAAS activity