Primary Aldosteronism

Question 1

Overview of Primary Aldosteronism (Conn Syndrome)

Answer 1

• Hypersecretion of aldosterone
• Most common cause is aldosterone-producing adenomas (Conn Syndrome)
• Signs - Hypokalaemia, Refractive hypertension,
• Testing - Plasma renin reduced, plasma aldosterone high, US adrenal glands
  
  • Blood sample to be taken in morning from seated patient.

Question 2

Symptoms of Conn Syndrome

Answer 2

Usually asympomatic and hypertensive
- Can have features of hypokalaemia
- Weakness, Cramps, Paraesthesia, Polyuria, Polydipsia

Question 3

Investigations of Conn Syndrome

Answer 3

• Serum and urine aldosterone (Elevated)
• Plasma renin (Suppressed)
• EUC - Na ^, K v, alkalosis
• MRI or CT of adrenals (Review for adrenal adenoma)