Hyperaldosteronism

Last updated: Friday, 06, August, 2010
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

Patients usually present with hypertension and/or muscle weakness.

Electrolytes (hypokalaemia is usual, but a normal potassium does not exclude the diagnosis); aldosterone/renin ratio; electrolytes - urine.

If aldosterone or aldosterone/renin ratio elevated, special studies are required - consult pathologist.

PrimaryHyporeninaemic hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome).

Adrenal aldosterone secreting tumour (aldosteronoma)

Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia

Glucocorticoid suppressible

Aldosterone after 2 mg dexamethasone daily for 3 days.
SecondaryHyperreninaemic hyperaldosteronism.

Renal disease, especially

  • Renovascular
Bilateral renal vein renin; renin after captopril load.
  • Bartter’s syndrome
Not associated with hypertension.
  • Renal haemangiopericytoma