Hyperaldosteronism

Question 1

What is potassium like in metabolic alkalosis? How about metabolic acidosis?

Answer 1

Metabolic alkalosis - Hypokalaemia

Metabolic acidosis - Hyperkalaemia

Question 2

What surgical treatment for adrenal adenoma (Conn’s syndrome)?

Answer 2

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Question 3

What medical treatment for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia?

Answer 3

Spironolactone/Eplerenone if side effects

Amiloride

Question 4

What are some causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism (high renin)

Answer 4

Renal artery stenosis
Coarctation of the aorta
Malignant hypertension
Congestive cardiac failure
Liver failure
Diuretic use
Bartter syndrome --> furosemide-like diuresis
Gittelman syndrome --> thiazide-like diuresis

Question 5

What are some causes of primary hyperaldosteronism (low renin)

Answer 5

Conn's syndrome (adrenal adenoma)
Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Adrenal carcinoma (rare)
Glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism

Question 6

What are the SSx of Conn’s syndrome?

Answer 6

Symptoms of hypertension i.e visual disturbance/headache etc.

Symptoms of hypokalaemia i.e weakness