Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) Flashcards
What is hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)?
Excess production of aldosterone, independent of the RAAS system
Aldosterone is produced from where?
Produced in the zona glomerulosa, in the adrenal cortex.
What does aldosterone do?
Works in kidney to conserve Na (thus H2O) and cause K loss
What does excess aldosterone cause? (3)
- Hypokalemia
- Sodium + H2O retention
- Decreased renin release
What are the causes of hyperaldosteronism? (2)
- Conn’s syndrome (adrenal adenoma producing too much aldosterone)
- Bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia
What are the symptoms of hyperaldosteronism? (6)
Hypokalemia:
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Cramps
- Paraesthesia
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia (thirst)
How would a patient present w/ hyperaldosteronism? (4)
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Metabolic alkalosis
Not on diuretics
How would you investigate hyperaldosteronism? (4)
Bloods + urine: DEC renin, INC aldosterone
Adrenal vein sampling
ECG: flat T, long PR, long QT
Abdominal CT: adrenal tumour
What would you expect to find in the bloods of a patient w/ Conn’s syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism)? (2)
Raised aldosterone
Decreases renin
What is the root cause of secondary hyperaldosteronism?
Too much renin being produced, leading to excess aldosterone production
What would you expect to find in the bloods of a patient w/ secondary hyperaldosteronism? (2)
Raised renin
Raised aldosterone
What would you expect to find on the ECG for a patient w/ Conn’s syndrome? (4)
Flat T
Long PR
Long QT
U waves
How would you treat hyperaldosteronism?
- Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (Conn’s)
- Spironolactone (potassium sparing diuretic/ aldosterone antagonist)
What is spironolactone? (2)
Potassium-sparing diruretic
Aldosterone antagonist
