Conn Syndrome

Question 1

conn syndrome

Answer 1

primary hyperaldosteronism

Question 2

what is the prevalence?

Answer 2

its rare - usually only encountered in the hospital on an endocrine unit

Question 3

etiology of conn syndrome

Answer 3

• mostly caused by a cortical adenoma (tumor in cortex)
• idiopathic hyperplasia of cortex
• renin secreting tumor in kidney
• increased aldosterone prod due to overstimulation of RAAS

Question 4

Mnftns/Complx

Answer 4

1) HTN: aldosterone causes vasoconstriction and retention of Na
2) Hypokalemia: decreased [K+] in blood d/t increased K+ excretion
3) Alkalosis: aldosterone excretes H+ normally, but a small amount. When aldosterone is in excess, large quantities of H+ are lost = losing the acid component in the blood = increased pH

Question 5

Tx

Answer 5

1) excise adenoma
2) unilateral adrenalectomy
3) aldosterone receptor antagonist
4) restrict Na intake
5) anti-HTN drugs (if HTN occurs)