Conn's syndrome

Question 1

what is ‘conn’s syndrome’

Answer 1

1. excess production of aldosterone hormone
2. at the adrenal cortex
3. due to adrenal hyperplasia / adrena adenoma

Question 2

causes of conn’s syndrome?

Answer 2

1. adrenal hyperplasia

2. adrenal adenoma

Question 3

conn’s syndrome pathophysiology : ‘hypokalaemia’

Answer 3

1. increased Na/K+ channel use
2. increased absorbtion of Na+
3. increased secretion of K+

Question 4

conn’s syndrome pathophysiology : ‘ hypernatremia and hypertension ‘

Answer 4

1. increased Na+ reabsorbtion
2. increased water reabsortion
3. hpt

Question 5

conn’s syndrome pathophsyiology :

‘metabolic alkalosis’

Answer 5

hypokalemia caused metabolic alkalosis

1. K+ inside cell exchanged for H+ outside cell to maintain K+ balance
2. Increased H+ in kidney to enable increased K+ reabsorbtion

Question 6

conn’s syndrome pathophysiology : ‘diabetes insipidus’

Answer 6

1. hypokalaemia
2. desensitisation of renal tubule to ADH
3. polyuria and polydipsia

Question 7

Clincial features

Answer 7

1. 2nd hypertension
2. Hypokalaemic symptoms
   - fatigue
   - muscle weakness
   - headaches