Primary aldosteronism: changing concepts in diagnosis and management

Am J Surg. 1986 Jul;152(1):116-21. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(86)90160-1.

Abstract

Unilateral adrenalectomy for benign causes of primary aldosteronism is an established procedure. The established surgical cure for aldosterone-producing adenoma justifies a thorough preoperative evaluation. No single test accurately identifies aldosterone-producing adenomas in patients with primary aldosteronism. However, a useful algorithm combines postural studies, computerized axial tomography, and adrenal vein catheterization for selective hormonal assay, if computerized axial tomography is negative or equivocal and the suspicion of aldosterone-producing adenoma is high. If an adrenal mass is present and biochemical studies suggest a diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma, resection of the affected gland from a limited unilateral approach is indicated. Cure can be expected in 80 percent of cases. In the uncommon circumstance that the adrenal tumor was not an aldosterone-producing adenoma but a hyperplastic nodule, these patients may still be cured or more easily controlled with antihypertensive medications. Thirty-eight patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy are presented and discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adenoma / surgery
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Adrenal Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Glands / pathology
  • Adrenalectomy*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperaldosteronism / diagnosis*
  • Hyperaldosteronism / etiology
  • Hyperaldosteronism / surgery
  • Hyperplasia
  • Male
  • Radionuclide Imaging