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Key Clinical Message: In cases of primary hyperaldosteronism, the aldosterone renin ratio (ARR) is crucial for determining the need for adrenal vein sampling (AVS). Our case highlights the importance of utilizing ARR with AVS, contextual interpretation of plasma renin and aldosterone levels, and stresses that sole reliance on imaging without AVS may result in unnecessary or contralateral adrenalectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adrenal tumors are a common finding in clinical practice, and only detailed evaluation may reveal secretory and metabolic abnormalities or their malignant character. We aimed to highlight epidemiological data, rates of malignancy, clinical or secretory characteristics, and the cardiometabolic implications of adrenal masses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the medical files of 474 patients with adrenal pathology hospitalized between January 2007 and January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, using the ICD-10 codes. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 264 patients with adrenal tumors were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent clinical examination, abdominal imaging, and hormonal evaluation, and some of them underwent a pathological exam after adrenalectomy. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 56 (17) years, with 81.06% of patients being female. The median follow-up period was 41.5 (70) months, ranging from 6 months to 13 years. Adrenal tumors were most frequently seen in older female patients, with 83.47% of them being over 40 years old. The malignancy rate was 4.54%. Hormonally nonfunctioning tumors (71.95%) predominated, and overt hypercortisolism was present in 10.61% of patients, as was mild autonomous cortisol secretion in 5.31% of patients, primary hyperaldosteronism in 8.71% of patients, and adrenal paraganglioma in 3.41% of patients. Cardiometabolic comorbid conditions were similar in patients with functioning and nonfunctioning tumors. Conclusions: All patients with adrenal tumors should receive a complete hormonal workup and detailed malignancy risk assessment. Even though a hormonally active tumor predisposes to cardiometabolic comorbid conditions, a nonfunctioning lesion may also be associated with such disorders and needs thorough assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim – to study the diagnostic possibilities of comparative selective venous blood sampling from the central adrenal vein in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism with combined autonomous cortisol secretion. Material and methods. The study included 7 patients with primary hyperaldosteronism with combined autonomous secretion of cortisol who were treated in the clinic from 2010 to 2019. Results. In 72 operated patients with primary hyperaldosteronism, 7 (9.7%) were diagnosed with autonomous secretion of cortisol. The frequency of discrepancy between the intrascopic picture and comparative selective blood sampling in patients with combined autonomous aldosterone-cortisol secretion was 57.1%. Performing comparative selective blood sampling in patients with Connshing syndrome makes it possible to establish the side of hyperproduction of aldosterone and cortisol in bilateral adrenal adenoma with unilateral hormone production. Postoperative adrenal insufficiency was observed in 28.6% of patients Connshing syndrome. Mixed adrenal adenomas can be a source of joint hypersecretion of aldosterone and cortisol. Conclusions. In all patients with primary hyperaldosteronism, it is necessary to exclude the joint autonomous production of cortisol, which allows for a correct assessment of the results of comparative selective blood sampling, with subsequent choice of the intervention side and predict the risk of postoperative adrenal insufficiency.

Abstract Hypokalemia is a common issue in clinical settings, often indicating underlying systemic conditions that require careful evaluation. This study presents three cases where hypokalemic paralysis served as the initial symptom of systemic diseases. Key evaluation methods included clinical history, physical examination focusing on volume status, and acid–base assessment. The cases highlight the diverse etiologies of hypokalemia, including primary hyperaldosteronism, Sjogren’s syndrome, and Crohn’s disease.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension. Adrenalectomy is an effective treatment for unilateral PA, particularly aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), resulting in improvements in biochemical parameters and blood pressure in the vast majority of patients. The article provides a comprehensive overview of PA, focusing on the outcomes of adrenalectomy for PA and the factors that may suggest prognostic implications. Analysis of the outcome of different PA patients undergoing adrenalectomy in terms of preoperative factors, vascular and adipose conditions, type of pathology, and somatic variants. In addition, it is recommended to use the histopathology of primary aldosteronism (HISTALDO) consensus to classify the patient’s pathological type, with classical and nonclassical pathological types showing a different prognosis and possibly being associated with an unresected contralateral adrenal gland. The primary aldosteronism surgical outcome (PASO) consensus sets uniform standards for postoperative outcomes in unilateral PA, but its setting of thresholds remains controversial. Partial adrenalectomy shows similar surgical results and fewer postoperative complications than total adrenalectomy, but there is a risk of missing the true source of abnormal aldosterone secretion. Steroid profiling and functional imaging techniques offer alternative options to adrenal vein sampling (AVS) for unilateral and bilateral judgments in patients with PA. A combination of factors is needed to predict the prognosis of PA patients undergoing adrenalectomy in order to manage patient expectations of the outcome of the procedure and to closely monitor blood pressure and biochemical parameters in patients who suggest a poorer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypokalemia is a common issue in clinical settings, often indicating underlying systemic conditions that require careful evaluation. This study presents three cases where hypokalemic paralysis served as the initial symptom of systemic diseases. Key evaluation methods included clinical history, physical examination focusing on volume status, and acid–base assessment. The cases highlight the diverse etiologies of hypokalemia, including primary hyperaldosteronism, Sjogren's syndrome, and Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document presents the results of a study comparing the accuracy of a cortisol immunoassay to LC-MS/MS. The study found a significant positive bias in the cortisol immunoassay compared to LC-MS/MS, but could not identify the cause of this difference. However, the study suggests that despite the bias, the cortisol immunoassay may still be considered for adrenal vein sampling (AVS) due to the minimal impact on clinical decision making. The study recommends careful consideration of the positive bias for other indications. The document concludes with acknowledgments to the individuals who contributed to the analysis of the samples. [Extracted from the article]

Key Clinical Message In cases of primary hyperaldosteronism, the aldosterone renin ratio (ARR) is crucial for determining the need for adrenal vein sampling (AVS). Our case highlights the importance of utilizing ARR with AVS, contextual interpretation of plasma renin and aldosterone levels, and stresses that sole reliance on imaging without AVS may result in unnecessary or contralateral adrenalectomy.

Background Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a common type of primary aldosteronism. For those with unilateral adrenocortical adenoma, although expert consensus recommends plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) as a screening indicator for APA, the range of ARR cut-off values varies widely due to the lack of unified detection method and diagnostic process. Therefore, there is a clinical need for a reliable and rapid predictive model to assist in identifying APA. Objective To explore the correlation between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and APA, construct and validate the nomogram prediction model of APA. Methods A total of 493 patients with with pathologic results of unilateral adrenal mass who underwent surgical treatment after evaluation of adrenal endocrine hormones in the first affiliated hospital of Shihezi University from 2012 to 2022 were collected, 155 patients were ultimately included in the APA group and 113 patients in nonfunctioning adrenal adenoma combined with essential hypertension group according to the diagnostic criteria of APA and nonfunctioning adrenal adenoma. The patients' clinical data and biochemical data were collected. The patients were grouped according to GFR quartiles, and the correlation between GFR and APA was analyzed. The risk factors for APA were screened by multivariate Logistic regression analysis and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the discrimination of the prediction model, a consistency index (C-index) was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the model, Hosmer Lemeshow test was used to verify the fit of model, and the diagnostic efficacy of the model was evaluated using decision curve and clinical benefit curve. Results The patients were grouped according to GFR quartiles (Q1 to Q4 groups), Q1 group: ≥107.4 mL·min-1· (1.73 m2) -1 (n=67), Q2 group: 99.7-107.3 mL·min-1· (1.73 m2) -1 (n=67), Q3 group: 88.6-99.6 mL·min-1· (1.73 m2) -1 (n=67) and Q4 group: ≤88.5 mL·min-1· (1.73 m2) -1 (n=67), and the proportion of APA in each group was 47.8% (32/67), 53.7% (36/67), 58.2% (39/67) and 71.6% (48/67). Logistic regression trend test suggested that the risk of APA tended to increase as GFR levels decreased (P160 mmHg (OR=5.209, 95%CI=2.531-10.720), hypertension duration≥59 months (OR=4.326, 95%CI=1.950-9.595), blood potassium13.42 ng/dL (OR=8.756, 95%CI=4.320-17.749) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of APA (P

Conn's syndrome, defined as unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma, accounts for 35-40% of cases of primary hyperaldosteronism. Primary hyperaldosteronism typically occurs in younger patients with poorly controlled arterial hypertension due to extracellular fluid retention, in whom at least a triple combination of antihypertensives, including a diuretic, is needed to maintain normotension. The clinical picture of arterial hypertension may be complemented by symptoms associated with hypokalaemia, such as weakness, fatigue, palpitations, convulsions, polydipsia, or polyuria. In addition to arterial hypertension and hypokalaemia, the diagnosis of Conn's syndrome relies on examination of serum renin and aldosterone concentrations, plasma renin activity, exercise or furosemide stimulation tests, and imaging studies, preferably computed tomography. The method of treatment of Conn's syndrome is adrenalectomy. In patients with primary hyperaldosteronism with underlying bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia or patients contraindicated for surgery, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are administered in combination with antihypertensives targeted for optimal blood pressure control. In the group of patients after kidney transplantation, the exact incidence of primary hyperaldosteronism is unknown. Based on a cross-sectional study performed in 2020, it is estimated to be approximately 15% in the group of patients with unsatisfactorily compensated arterial hypertension; in the cohort of normotensive recipients, the incidence of primary hyperaldosteronism is not documented. Diagnosis of Conn's syndrome in patients in the early period after kidney transplantation is problematic, as the prevalence of arterial hypertension in transplanted patients is high (70-90%) according to the literature. Mineral abnormalities, including hypokalaemia, are also common in the early post-transplant period, mainly due to factors such as duration of cold ischaemia, onset of graft function, donor parameters, post-transplant tubulopathy, and diuretics, the effects of immunosuppressive drugs (especially calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids), and possibly potassium-restricted dietary habits that the patient brings from the pre-transplant period, which may mask the effect of hyperaldosteronism on potassium. We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed with Conn's syndrome 7 months after primary kidney transplantation from a deceased donor based on persistent hypokalaemia unresponsive to replacement therapy. At the time of the first manifestation of severe hypokalaemia, the patient was treated with a dual combination of antihypertensives (amlodipine at a daily dose of 5 mg and carvedilol at a daily dose of 50 mg), without the need for a diuretics. We consider the case interesting because the spectrum of mineral and acid-base abnormalities in advanced renal failure and in the early post-transplant period, as well as acid-base and mineral imbalances, including hypokalaemia, and the high prevalence of arterial hypertension in the post-transplant period, may mask the picture of Conn's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is used to distinguish unilateral from bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion as a cause of primary aldosteronism (PA). Unilateral disease is treated with adrenalectomy and bilateral hypersecretion managed medically. We performed a single institution retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing adrenalectomy for PA from July 2013 to June 2022. Concordance of imaging findings with AVS was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared Fisher's exact. Literature review performed via triple method search strategy. Twenty-one patients underwent AVS and adrenalectomy for PA. Two patients did not have imaging findings and 19 were localized with an adenoma. For patients with image localization, AVS was concordant in nine, discordant in four, and nondiagnostic in six. For patients with discordant findings, age range was 35.8 to 72.4 y compared with concordant patient age range of 49.8 to 71.7 y. Overall discordance between imaging results and AVS was 40%. The aldosterone level was associated with concordance with a median of 52 ng/dL compared with 26 ng/dL if discordant (P = 0.002). There was a significant reduction in antihypertensive medications for the entire cohort from a median of three medications (interquartile range 2-4) to 1 medication (interquartile range 1-2), P < 0.001. In this cohort, 40% of patients with selective AVS had discordant imaging and AVS results. Aldosterone level was associated with concordance. Hypertension was significantly improved with a median decrease of two antihypertensives. Our results support performance of AVS on all candidates for adrenalectomy for PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra-adrenal de novo aldosterone (Aldo) production has been described inconsistently. Systematic data based upon state-of-the-art technology including validated controls are sparse. We hypothesized that aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression and de novo Aldo production are absent in nonadrenal human cell lines, either immortalized cell lines or commercially available primary cell lines, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of individuals without and with primary hyperaldosteronism (PA). CYP11B2-transfected COS-7 and endogenous CYP11B2 expressing adrenal H295R cells served as positive controls. Various well-characterized, purchased, immortalized (BeWo, HEK293, HTR-8/SVneo, JEG-3) and primary (HAEC, HLEC, HRGEC, HRMC, HUAEC, HUVEC, PBMC) cell lines as well as self-isolated PBMCs from PA patients (n = 5) were incubated with the steroid hormone substrates progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone or 18-OH-corticosterone with and without Ang II for 24 h to assess CYP11B2 enzymatic activity. CYP11B2 expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify Aldo production. Pronounced CYP11B2 mRNA expression and Aldo production were observed in both positive controls, which followed an incremental time course. Neither substrates alone nor coincubation with Ang II significantly stimulated CYP11B2 expression or Aldo production in various immortalized and primary cell lines and PBMCs of PA patients. These results strongly support the absence of relevant de novo extra-adrenal Aldo production in nonadrenal cells, including blood mononuclear cells, irrespective of the absence or presence of autonomous adrenal Aldo production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of simultaneous cortisol cosecretion (CCS) on body composition in computed tomography (CT)‐imaging and metabolic parameters in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) with the objective of facilitating early detection. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Patients: Forty‐seven patients with PA and CCS confirmed by 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) with a cutoff of ≥1.8 µg/dL were compared with PA patients with excluded CCS (non‐CCS, n = 47) matched by age and sex. Methods: Segmentation of the fat compartments and muscle area at the third lumbar region was performed on non‐contrast‐enhanced CT images with dedicated segmentation software. Additionally, liver, spleen, pancreas and muscle attenuation were compared between the two groups. Results: Mean cortisol after DST was 1.2 µg/dL (33.1 nmol/L) in the non‐CCS group and 3.2 µg/dL (88.3 nmol/L) in the CCS group with mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE). No difference in total, visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes was observed between the CCS and non‐CCS group (p =.7,.6 and.8, respectively). However, a multivariable regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between total serum cholesterol and results of serum cortisol after 1‐mg DST (p =.026). Classification of the patients based on visible lesion on CT and PA‐lateralization via adrenal venous sampling also did not show any significant differences in body composition. Conclusion: MACE in PA patients does not translate into body composition changes on CT‐imaging. Therefore, early detection of concurrent CCS in PA is currently only attainable through biochemical tests. Further investigation of the long‐term clinical adverse effects of MACE in PA is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: Despite its recognized importance, primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) remains an underdiagnosed condition in clinical practice. The objective of the present study was to evaluate PHA screening practices by general practitioners and specialists in endocrinology and cardiology. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional, observational study invited physicians to respond voluntarily to an online survey. The survey collected the respondents’ sociodemographic data and answers to five hypothetical clinical cases meeting Endocrine Society criteria for PHA screening. Results: In all, 126 physicians responded to the online survey. Endocrinologists were the specialists who most often chose PHA screening, although the screening rates were overall low, ranging from 36.5% to 92.9%, depending on the case and the respondents’ specialty. The survey also assessed the reasons for not choosing PHA screening, which included limited availability of tests within the public health services, interference of antihypertensive medications on hormone levels, and failure to identify the screening indication. Being an endocrinologist was an independent predictor for choosing PHA screening for the patients in Cases #1 and #5 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: Endocrinologists were the specialists who most often chose PHA screening, although the screening rates were overall low among all specialists. These findings highlight a need for continuing medical education programs addressing PHA screening and making the diagnosis of PHA more present in the daily clinical practice of physicians treating patients with hypertension.

Currently, increasing evidence shows the mutual influence of aldosterone and adipose tissue. Aldosterone excess has been reported in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Aldosterone has a direct effect on adipose tissue increasing anabolic activity and expression of mineralocorticoid receptors. In turn, excessive activation of MCR leads to stimulation of adipogenesis and an increase in the volume of adipose tissue. Aldosterone excess can be considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor that affects such processes as cardiac fibrosis, nephrosclerosis, and arteriosclerosis. There is convincing evidence of higher prevalence and severity of impaired glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism disorders among patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. Similar pathological changes are also observed in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. This review presents scientific data on the metabolic effects of aldosterone, in particular its effect on adipose tissue function, glucose and lipid metabolism. Treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may provide substantial benefit in the management of metabolic syndrome, contribute to the stabilisation of glucose and lipid metabolism, improve clinical status of patients with cardiovascular diseases and reduce the risk of complications. However, available evidence from the conducted studies is not sufficient to justify introduction of such therapy into clinical practice.

Resumen: El hiperaldosteronismo primario (HAP) es una causa importante de hipertensión arterial (HTA) secundaria. El estudio del mismo precisa de una alta sospecha clínica, además de un estudio hormonal que confirme la hipersecreción hormonal. Es importante iniciar el tratamiento adecuado una vez se confirma el diagnóstico, y para ello es preciso demostrar si la hipersecreción hormonal es unilateral (pacientes que podrían ser tributarios a tratamiento quirúrgico) o bilateral (pacientes que son tributarios a tratamiento únicamente farmacológico).En el Hospital del Mar desde el año 2016 existe un equipo de trabajo multidisciplinar en el que participan nefrólogos, endocrinólogos, radiólogos y cirujanos para evaluar los casos con sospecha de hiperaldosteronismo y consensuar el mejor abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico de estos pacientes, incluyendo la necesidad de cateterismo venoso adrenal, que es una técnica que en los últimos años se ha erigido como gold standard para el estudio del HAP.En el presente estudio recogemos la experiencia de nuestro centro en la realización de cateterismo venoso adrenal y en la utilidad de este para el manejo de tales pacientes. Abstract: Primary hyperaldosteronism (PAH) is an important cause of secondary hypertension (HTN). The study of the same requires a high clinical suspicion in addition to a hormonal study that confirms hormonal hypersecretion. It is important to start the appropriate treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed, and for this is necessary to demonstrate whether the hormonal hypersecretion is unilateral (patients who could be candidates for surgical treatment) or bilateral (patients who are candidates for pharmacological treatment only).At the Hospital del Mar since 2016 there has been a multidisciplinary work team in which Nephrologists, Endocrinologists, Radiologists and Surgeons participate to evaluate cases with suspected hyperaldosteronism and agree on the best diagnostic-therapeutic approach for these patients, including the need for adrenal vein sampling, which is a technique that in recent years has become the gold standard for the study of PAH.In the present study we collect the experience of our center in performing adrenal vein catheterization and its usefulness for the management of these patients.

Background. Given the proven excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the clinical manifestations of hypertension, mostly of renal origin, there is a need to optimize antihypertensive therapy aimed at an active nephroprotection. The purpose of the study is to carry out a comprehensive assessment of kidney and heart risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to justify the administration of non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to these patients. Materials and methods. In a prospective cohort study, 88 patients with type 2 diabetes were examined: group 1 — estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Abstract The current screening and diagnostic recommendations for detecting Primary Hyperaldosteronism (PHA) focus on diagnosing the more severe and overt instances of renin‐independent aldosterone production. However, milder forms of autonomous aldosterone secretion have been demonstrated to exist below the diagnostic thresholds of current PHA guidelines, and associate with clinically relevant cardiovascular risk. PHAencompasses a spectrum of renin independent aldosterone production, progressing from a subclinical state in normotensives to a full‐blown clinical syndrome representing the resistant hypertension population. The authors propose the Syndrome of Inappropriately Elevated Aldosterone Secretion (SIALDS) concept as a potential new paradigm for understanding and diagnosing PHA and expanded diagnostic approach to improve early detection even in well‐controlled hypertension. The authors also delve into the impact of treatments, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and emerging aldosterone synthase inhibitors. Furthermore, The authors outline future research directions, proposing clinical trials to investigate the long‐term identification and treatment outcomes of SIALDS.

Background: Adrenal tumors are a common finding in clinical practice, and only detailed evaluation may reveal secretory and metabolic abnormalities or their malignant character. We aimed to highlight epidemiological data, rates of malignancy, clinical or secretory characteristics, and the cardiometabolic implications of adrenal masses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the medical files of 474 patients with adrenal pathology hospitalized between January 2007 and January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, using the ICD-10 codes. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 264 patients with adrenal tumors were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent clinical examination, abdominal imaging, and hormonal evaluation, and some of them underwent a pathological exam after adrenalectomy. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 56 (17) years, with 81.06% of patients being female. The median follow-up period was 41.5 (70) months, ranging from 6 months to 13 years. Adrenal tumors were most frequently seen in older female patients, with 83.47% of them being over 40 years old. The malignancy rate was 4.54%. Hormonally nonfunctioning tumors (71.95%) predominated, and overt hypercortisolism was present in 10.61% of patients, as was mild autonomous cortisol secretion in 5.31% of patients, primary hyperaldosteronism in 8.71% of patients, and adrenal paraganglioma in 3.41% of patients. Cardiometabolic comorbid conditions were similar in patients with functioning and nonfunctioning tumors. Conclusions: All patients with adrenal tumors should receive a complete hormonal workup and detailed malignancy risk assessment. Even though a hormonally active tumor predisposes to cardiometabolic comorbid conditions, a nonfunctioning lesion may also be associated with such disorders and needs thorough assessment.

Aim: Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is an important cause of secondary hypertension. One of the most crucial steps in the management of patients with PA is the determination of the laterality of aldosterone production (unilateral or bilateral disease). This study aimed to determine the success rate of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) and the concordance between imaging and AVS laterality. Materials and Methods: The procedural, radiological, and laboratory data of the patients who underwent AVS were evaluated retrospectively. The Selectivity Index (SI) and Lateralization Index (LI) were used for catheterization success and laterality determination, respectively. The Contralateral Suppression Index (CSI) was used for laterality determination in cases of unilaterally failed AVS. Abdominal CT scans were evaluated for adrenal nodules and hyperplasia. Results: This study included 36 patients for catheterization success and 28 patients for laterality evaluation. The mean age was 56.08±9.01 years. The overall success rate was 88.9% (32 of 36 patients). The bilateral and unilateral successful catheterization rates were 52.8% and 36.2%, respectively. Unilateral disease was present in 15 (53.6%) patients based on AVS, right-sided in 9 (32.1%), and left-sided in 6 (21.4%) patients. Unilateral disease was present in 18 (64.3%) patients based on imaging, right-sided in 11 (39.3%), and left-sided in 7 (25%) patients. The proportion of agreement between imaging and AVS lateralization was 50% (14 of 28 patients). Conclusion: The overall success rate of AVS was high when unilateral success was included. In half of the patients with PA in this study, CT showed discordant disease laterality compared to AVS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is used to lateralise and differentiate unilateral from bilateral aldosterone production in primary aldosteronism. The adrenal venous samples are standardised to a peripheral or low inferior vena cava (IVC) sample and compared. It is unknown whether the location of the non-adrenal sample affects the results. This study compares AVS results standardised to the low IVC and right external iliac vein (REIV). Methods: Patients who underwent AVS between March 2021 and May 2023 were included. All procedures were undertaken by a single operator (AA). Demographic data and AVS results were collected from patients' electronic records. Catheterisation success and lateralisation were assessed using both low IVC and REIV samples. Equivalence test was used to compare the cortisol and aldosterone levels. Results: Eighty-one patients, (M: F = 38:43), aged between 29 and 74 were included. Bilateral successful adrenal vein cannulation was achieved in 79/81 (97.5%) cases. The mean cortisol levels from the REIV were statistically equivalent although there was a small and not biologically significant difference from the low IVC (respective geometric means 183 nmol/l vs. 185 nmol/l, p = 0.015). This small difference in cortisol may be due to accessory adrenal venous drainage into the IVC. The aldosterone and aldosterone/cortisol ratios were statistically equivalent. There was no discordance in selectivity or lateralisation when the IVC or REIV measurements were used. Conclusion: The IVC and REIV samples may be used interchangeably during AVS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The current screening and diagnostic recommendations for detecting Primary Hyperaldosteronism (PHA) focus on diagnosing the more severe and overt instances of renin‐independent aldosterone production. However, milder forms of autonomous aldosterone secretion have been demonstrated to exist below the diagnostic thresholds of current PHA guidelines, and associate with clinically relevant cardiovascular risk. PHAencompasses a spectrum of renin independent aldosterone production, progressing from a subclinical state in normotensives to a full‐blown clinical syndrome representing the resistant hypertension population. The authors propose the Syndrome of Inappropriately Elevated Aldosterone Secretion (SIALDS) concept as a potential new paradigm for understanding and diagnosing PHA and expanded diagnostic approach to improve early detection even in well‐controlled hypertension. The authors also delve into the impact of treatments, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and emerging aldosterone synthase inhibitors. Furthermore, The authors outline future research directions, proposing clinical trials to investigate the long‐term identification and treatment outcomes of SIALDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clinical case is presented of delayed diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) due to aldosterone-producing adenoma. Suspicion of PHA arises in case of persistent combination of hypertension with hypokalemia of various severity, a specific neuromuscular syndrome, as well as a high risk of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and deterioration of kidney function, which are not typical for banal hypertension. Unsatisfactory blood pressure control with a standard combination of pharmacotherapy, an unexpected positive effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, high blood pressure in young people, as well as a family history of early high blood pressure or stroke at a young age, paroxysmal course of hypertension itself increases the risk of PHA. For a long time, a disease in our patient was considered a banal hypertension, although the diagnostic hypothesis of PHA should appear immediately after severe neuromuscular syndrome, rapid progression of cardiomyopathy and clinically significant heart failure began to dominate in the clinical picture. A 44-year-old female patient came to the attention of rheumatologists with suspicion of inflammatory myopathy due to frequent episodes of muscle weakness whose origin remained unclear. Key complaints of pronounced paroxysmal generalized muscle weakness, especially in the limbs, numbness and paresthesias in the extremities, calf muscle cramps against the background of hypertension were regarded as a neuromuscular syndrome specific to PHA. The PHA hypothesis was supported by the presence of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, clinically significant hypokalemia, and elevated aldosterone level. Computed tomography of the retroperitoneal space confirmed the presence of adrenal adenoma. Unfortunately, with a delay, after 13 years of hypertension, the diagnosis of PHA against the background of aldosterone-producing adenoma was confirmed. Consultation with a surgeon endocrinologist was suggested, as well as administration of eplerenone 50 mg daily in combination with lercanidipine 20 mg daily. Already after 6 weeks of pharmacotherapy, a positive therapeutic effect was obtained regarding the control of hypertension, heart failure, and the severity of neuromuscular syndrome. The differential diagnosis of secondary endocrine hypertension can be successful only with the possession of skills for early clinical detection of endocrine pathology, even in subclinical disease presentation. The diagnosis of PHA makes it possible to offer a patient radical surgical treatment, as well as to choose optimal approaches to pharmacotherapy.

Purpose: Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a prevalent ocular disease classified in the pachychoroidal spectrum with an elevated morbidity. Although the pathogenesis is yet unclear, mineralocorticoid-mediated pathways seem to be implicated. Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is a relatively frequent, albeit underdiagnosed, cause of hypertension, and has a specific therapy. A previous study assessed the prevalence of CSCR-like signs in a cohort of patients diagnosed with PA and found signs in seven out of thirteen PA patients. The present study aims to study the contrary, screening for PA in a cohort of acute CSCR patients. Methods: Between March 2017 and September 2018 all patients with acute CSCR were systematically referred to Endocrinology Department after complete ophthalmic evaluation was performed with visual acuity, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. The method applied for detection of PA was the 2-h 25 mg captopril challenge test (CCT). Results: Of the nineteen patients screened, two of them had a CCT positive for PA (2-h plasma aldosterone/renin ratio > 50 and/or an aldosterone level of 130 pg/ml or higher), and were treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). No ophthalmic pattern was identified in them in terms of time to resolution, recurrences or features of the acute episode. The only differential feature in the fundus of PA patients was pathological arteriovenous crossings (AVC) as well as elevated BP levels. Conclusion: a high incidence of PA was found among acute CSCR patients. This preliminary study suggests a need for screening for PA in hypertensive CSCR patients in real clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clinical case is presented of delayed diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) due to aldosterone-producing adenoma. Suspicion of PHA arises in case of persistent combination of hypertension with hypokalemia of various severity, a specific neuromuscular syndrome, as well as a high risk of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and deterioration of kidney function, which are not typical for banal hypertension. Unsatisfactory blood pressure control with a standard combination of pharmacotherapy, an unexpected positive effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, high blood pressure in young people, as well as a family history of early high blood pressure or stroke at a young age, paroxysmal course of hypertension itself increases the risk of PHA. For a long time, a disease in our patient was considered a banal hypertension, although the diagnostic hypothesis of PHA should appear immediately after severe neuromuscular syndrome, rapid progression of cardiomyopathy and clinically significant heart failure began to dominate in the clinical picture. A 44-year-old female patient came to the attention of rheumatologists with suspicion of inflammatory myopathy due to frequent episodes of muscle weakness whose origin remained unclear. Key complaints of pronounced paroxysmal generalized muscle weakness, especially in the limbs, numbness and paresthesias in the extremities, calf muscle cramps against the background of hypertension were regarded as a neuromuscular syndrome specific to PHA. The PHA hypothesis was supported by the presence of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, clinically significant hypokalemia, and elevated aldosterone level. Computed tomography of the retroperitoneal space confirmed the presence of adrenal adenoma. Unfortunately, with a delay, after 13 years of hypertension, the diagnosis of PHA against the background of aldosterone-producing adenoma was confirmed. Consultation with a surgeon endocrinologist was suggested, as well as administration of eplerenone 50 mg daily in combination with lercanidipine 20 mg daily. Already after 6 weeks of pharmacotherapy, a positive therapeutic effect was obtained regarding the control of hypertension, heart failure, and the severity of neuromuscular syndrome. The differential diagnosis of secondary endocrine hypertension can be successful only with the possession of skills for early clinical detection of endocrine pathology, even in subclinical disease presentation. The diagnosis of PHA makes it possible to offer a patient radical surgical treatment, as well as to choose optimal approaches to pharmacotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) is an underdiagnosed cause of secondary hypertension, with an increased risk of cardiovascular and renal complications compared with those with essential hypertension alone. Distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral aldosterone secretion is important as management differs. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the gold standard for determining lateralisation. Current international guidelines suggest AVS may be omitted in those aged <35 years with PHA and a unilateral adrenal adenoma on imaging. Aim: To characterise all patients referred for AVS at Waitematā District Health Board (WDHB), review the success rate of AVS and compare concordance of AVS with imaging. Methods: All patients who underwent AVS in WDHB from January 2015 to September 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Clinical records, laboratory data and radiological findings were reviewed. Results: Ninety‐six patients underwent AVS, with four excluded as private records were unable to be obtained. Of the 92 patients included, age ranged from 22 to 79 years. AVS was successful on first attempt in 89 (96.7%) patients. AVS and imaging findings were concordant in 62.2% of patients. One (14.3%) of seven aged <35 years had discordant results, and 16 (47%) of 34 patients with a unilateral adenoma on imaging had discordant results to AVS. Conclusions: AVS at WDHB is successful on first attempt in most patients. AVS is essential in the management of PHA for those deemed to be surgical candidates, regardless of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conn syndrome (CS), next to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, is one of the most common causes of primary hyperaldosteronism. It leads to potentially curable secondary hypertension. A 54-year-old woman underwent an abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination for symptomatic nephrolithiasis. A focal lesion of the left adrenal gland was found with a diameter of 16 mm and a density of 34 Hounsfield units (HU). The lesion was under observation, and the next magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a slight enlargement of the lesion to a size of 18 x 12 mm. The lesion was interpreted as an atypical adenoma of the adrenal gland. According to the course, the patient was referred to the endocrinology clinic. The patient's symptoms included hypertension and paresthesia. During two separate hospitalizations, Conn syndrome was diagnosed using a specific laboratory test. The patient was successfully treated by surgical intervention, resulting in remission of all symptoms. This case illustrates the difficulties in diagnosing primary hyperaldosteronism. The symptoms of Conn syndrome may vary in severity or may be absent. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can save many ill individuals from cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal complications. The case underscores the need for screening hypertensive patients using the aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldosterone, a vital hormone of the human body, has various pathophysiological roles. The excess of aldosterone, also known as primary aldosteronism, is the most common secondary cause of hypertension. Primary aldosteronism is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney dysfunction compared to essential hypertension. Excess aldosterone can lead to harmful metabolic and other pathophysiological alterations, as well as cause inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotic effects in the heart, kidney, and blood vessels. These alterations can result in coronary artery disease, including ischemia and myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, arterial fibrillation, intracarotid intima thickening, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Thus, aldosterone affects several tissues, especially in the cardiovascular system, and the metabolic and pathophysiological alterations are related to severe diseases. Therefore, understanding the effects of aldosterone on the body is important for health maintenance in hypertensive patients. In this review, we focus on currently available evidence regarding the role of aldosterone in alterations of the cardiovascular and renal systems. We also describe the risk of cardiovascular events and renal dysfunction in hyperaldosteronism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, more and more attention has been directed to the role of adipose tissue and adipocytokines in the pathogenesis of metabolic and inflammatory disorders in humans. Excess fat tissue has also been associated with a higher risk of malignancies. Advances in the research on the role of adipokines in adrenal tumors may elucidate the relationship between various types of adipose tissue (visceral, subcutaneous, and periadrenal) and metabolic disorders observed in hormonally active adrenal tumors, as well as associations with adrenal cortex cancer. In patients with active or cured Cushing syndrome, increased leptin and resistin concentrations as well as release of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be associated with cardiovascular risk. Also, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism may affect the metabolic activity of the adipose tissue. Elevated resistin concentrations in this group of patients are associated with morphological changes of the myocardium independently of the effects of the metabolic syndrome. Further, it has been suggested that hypoadiponectinemia comprises an additional factor in the pathogenesis of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and the risk of cardiovascular complications in pheochromocytoma patients. Understanding the mechanisms of action of adipokines may be important in developing prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in hormonally active and malignant tumors of the adrenal glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panic attacks and panic disorders are common in the general population. However, the presence of panic attacks associated with primary hyperaldosteronism has been rarely documented. We describe a patient with new-onset hyperaldosteronism secondary to adrenal adenoma who presented with recurrent panic attacks. The patient underwent adenoma resection, which was the definitive cure for the patients hyperaldosteronism and panic attacks. Clinicians should include hyperaldosteronism on the differential for medical etiologies of panic attacks. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between primary hyperaldosteronism and panic attacks.

Introduction: Nearly half of the adult population in the United States has been diagnosed with hypertension. Adrenal hormonal hypersecretion is a leading cause of secondary hypertension. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) may assist in differentiating between unilateral and bilateral adrenal hormonal hypersecretion to identify patients who are candidates for adrenalectomy. We reviewed the use of AVS at our institution along with associated outcomes after adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with a diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) or adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome (AICS) and who underwent adrenalectomy between January 1, 2010, and December 1, 2021. Patient data of baseline characteristics, preoperative workup, including AVS, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Seventy-one patients were identified in the study period (48 PA and 23 AICS). Computed tomography scan identified unilateral adrenal nodules in 52 patients (29 left; and 23 right), bilateral nodules in 13 patients, and no nodules in 6 patients. AVS was performed in 45 patients with PA (93%) and 5 patients with AICS (21%). After surgery, the number of PA patients with hypokalemia or requiring potassium supplementation significantly decreased after adrenalectomy (before surgery: 33 [68.7%]; and after surgery: 5 [10.4%], P < .01). The number of medications required for hypertension in AICS patients also significantly decreased. No major adverse events were noted. Conclusions: Our long-term experience demonstrates the ongoing use of AVS during workup of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism and for select patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome. However, a low level of discordance between imaging and AVS findings in PA patients suggests that there may be a subset of patients in whom preoperative AVS is not necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypersomatotropism (HST) and hyperthyroidism in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM) from referral centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: This was a prospective study. Systematic screening of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and total thyroxine was performed in all cats diagnosed with DM at referral centers in Buenos Aires between February 2020 and February 2022. Results: In total, 154 diabetic cats were evaluated (99 males and 55 females; median age 12 years [range 3–21]; mean body weight 5 kg [range 2–12]). Altogether, there were 115 (75%) domestic shorthairs and one domestic longhair; the remaining 38 cats were purebred (mainly Siamese, n = 25 [16%]). Twenty (12.9%) cats had IGF-1 concentrations >1000 ng/ml, and three (1.9%) had IGF-1 concentrations between 800 and 1000 ng/ml along with pituitary enlargement on CT, resulting in a 14.9% HST prevalence rate in diabetic cats. Intracranial imaging was performed in all cats with HST; median pituitary dorsoventral height was 5.8 mm (range 3.1–9.5). Fourteen of 23 (61%) cats had phenotypic changes consistent with acromegaly at the time of diagnosis of HST. Four of 154 (2.5%) cats had concurrent hyperthyroidism. Conclusions and relevance: To date, this is the first study outside of Europe to have evaluated the prevalence of HST and hyperthyroidism in cats with DM. In Buenos Aires referral centers, feline HST is the most common concurrent endocrinopathy in cats with DM but with a lower prevalence than has previously been reported. Hyperthyroidism is a rare concurrent endocrinopathy in diabetic cats from referral centers in Buenos Aires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost all medical specialities utilise cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen to evaluate many different medical conditions. This ever-increasing use of cross-sectional imaging has led to a dramatic increase in the detection rate of adrenal nodules. Following appropriate biochemical and radiological evaluation, the vast majority of these are shown to be benign adrenal adenomas. A small minority are diagnosed with a functional or malignant lesion that may result in significant morbidity and mortality requiring specialist management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The 20-point clinical prediction SPACE score, the aldosterone-to-lowest potassium ratio (APR), aldosterone concentration (AC) and the AC relative reduction rate after saline infusion test (SIT) have recently been proposed for primary aldosteronism (PA) subtyping prior to adrenal vein sampling (AVS). To validate those claims, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional study that included all patients at our center who had positive SIT to confirm PA and were diagnosed with either bilate ral disease (BPA) according to AVS or with lateralized disease (LPA) if biochemically cured after adrenalectomy from November 2004 to the end of 2019. Final diagnoses were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of proposed clinical prediction tools. Our cohort included 144 patients (40 females), aged 32–72 years (mean 54 years); 59 with LPA and 85 with BPA. The originally suggested SPACE score ≤8 and SPACE score >16 rules yielded about 80% positive predictive value (PPV) for BPA and LPA, resp ectively. Multivariate analyses with the predictors constituting the SPACE score highlighted post-SIT AC as the most important predictor of PA subtype for our cohort. APR-base d tool of 15 for LPA yielded about 75% PPV for LPA and BPA. The proposed post-SIT AC 33.8% criterion yielded 80% sensitivity a nd 51% specificity for BPA prediction. The application of any of the validated clinical prediction tools to our cohort did not predict the PA subtype with the high diagnostic performance originally reported.

Background: Acute flaccid paralysis is a medical emergency. Hypokalemia secondary to an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma or Conn's syndrome is a rare cause of hypokalemic paralysis. There are very few case reports from the pediatric population of the same. Clinical Description: We report the case of a 17-year-old girl, previously asymptomatic, who presented with sudden-onset, progressive weakness of all four limbs. There was no history of altered sensorium, cranial nerve involvement, or abdominal complaints. On examination, she was found to be hypertensive. Preliminary investigations revealed severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. There was no history suggestive of gastrointestinal potassium losses. Hence, a possibility of renal losses was considered and she was found to have kaliuresis. Management and Outcome: In view of hypokalemia, with hypertension with increased renal potassium loss, a possibility of hyperaldosteronism was considered. Plasma aldosterone concentration was elevated with levels of 20.3 ng/dl (normal

The review discusses the current state of the problem of screening patients for early detection of primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) as a potential cause of arterial hypertension (AH). The features of screening, methodological errors that make it difficult to interpret the results of the study are considered. The screening criteria are analyzed, based on which it is possible to assess the probability of diagnosis of PHA and judge its prevalence in various populations of patients with AH categories of high risk for the development of PHA. Attention is drawn to the low level of screening in patients with AH in order to detect PHA , and to the need for wider familiarization of doctors with the methods of screening and diagnosis of PHA as the cause of uncontrolled AH. The importance of timely diagnosis of PHA and its targeted treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypersecretion of aldosterone is emphasized.

Background: Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) antibodies for immunohistochemistry, enables to visualize aldosterone-producing zona glomerulosa (ZG), aldosterone-producing micronodules, and aldosterone-producing adenomas. The architecture of the ZG differs in old versus young age but the evolution of the changes is not well known. The pathogenesis of aldosterone-producing micronodules and aldosterone-producing adenomas is still unclear and research on the ZG in young populations is limited. In this study, we elucidate changes in human ZG with age by quantifying the CYP11B2 expression.Methods: We collected 83 human adrenal glands from 57 autopsy cases aged 0 to 40 years old. In 26 cases, both adrenals were available. We performed immunohistochemistry targeting CYP11B2 and quantified the relative CYP11B2 expressing area, CYP11B2 continuity, the mean gap length between CYP11B2-expressing areas and the maximum extension of CYP11B2 area (depth).Results: We found a negative correlation between age and the relative CYP11B2 expressing area, a negative correlation between age and CYP11B2 continuity, a positive correlation between age and mean gap length, and a positive correlation between age and maximum CYP11B2 depth. The changes in expression patterns of relative CYP11B2 expressing area, CYP11B2 continuity and mean gap length were seen in both adrenals of the same autopsy case.Conclusions: The decline of relative CYP11B2 expressing ZG area and continuity may indicate involution of the ZG, which is supported by an increase of gaps and maximum CYP11B2 depth indicating clustering, comparable to formation of aldosterone-producing micronodules. The similarities in both adrenals from the same case indicate that these changes occur bilaterally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ion channel mutations in calcium regulating genes strongly associate with AngII (angiotensin II)-independent aldosterone production. Here, we used an established mouse model of in vivo aldosterone autonomy, Cyp11b2-driven deletion of TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channels (TASK-1 and TASK-3, termed zona glomerulosa [zG]-TASK-loss-of-function), and selective pharmacological TASK channel inhibition to determine whether channel dysfunction in native, electrically excitable zG cell rosette-assemblies: (1) produces spontaneous calcium oscillatory activity and (2) is sufficient to drive substantial aldosterone autonomy.Methods: We imaged calcium activity in adrenal slices expressing a zG-specific calcium reporter (GCaMP3), an in vitro experimental approach that preserves the native rosette assembly and removes potentially confounding extra-adrenal contributions. In parallel experiments, we measured acute aldosterone production from adrenal slice cultures.Results: Absent from untreated WT slices, we find that either adrenal-specific genetic deletion or acute pharmacological TASK channel inhibition produces spontaneous oscillatory bursting behavior and steroidogenic activity (2.4-fold) that are robust, sustained, and equivalent to activities evoked by 3 nM AngII in WT slices. Moreover, spontaneous activity in zG-TASK-loss-of-function slices and inhibitor-evoked activity in WT slices are unresponsive to AngII regulation over a wide range of concentrations (50 pM to 3 µM).Conclusions: We provide proof of principle that spontaneous activity of zG cells within classic rosette assemblies evoked solely by a change in an intrinsic, dominant resting-state conductance can be a significant source of AngII-independent aldosterone production from native tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is a disorder in which non-suppressible hypersecretion of aldosterone from the adrenal gland. Treatment with either mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) or unilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) of PA resolves hypokalemia, lowers blood pressure and ameliorates the parameters of impaired cardiac and renal function but may paradoxically result in a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This study compared the effects of ADX and MRA on clinical and biochemical outcomes in patients with PA. Methods: Sixty-two patients with PA were recruited for this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the PA treatment method. Group 1 (n=40) was defined as patients treated with MRA, and group 2 (n=22) was defined as patients who underwent ADX. Groups were compared in terms of creatinine, eGFR, potassium, sodium, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone/ renin ratio (ARR), presence of hypertension, and the percentage change in creatinine, eGFR, potassium, sodium. The correlation analysis between the percentage change in eGFR and the percent change of potassium with clinical and laboratory parameters was also performed. Results: The mean age of the whole study group was 54.0±9.9 years. All patients had hypertension at baseline, and 11 patients (50%) had complete clinical success with hypertension without antihypertensive drugs after the treatment with ADX. Forthy-one patient had hypokalemia at baseline, and all of them resolved after the treatment with MRA or ADX. PAC, ARR, patients with hypokalemia, the percent change in eGFR and potassium were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p<0.001, p=0.006, p=0.011, p=0.031, and p<0.001; respectively). Significant positive correlations were observed between the percent change in eGFR and the percent change of potassium with PAC and ARR in the whole study group. Conclusion: ADX could provide more benefit to renal function and resolve hypertension than the treatment of MRA. Aldosterone-induced glomerular hyperfiltration in PA resolves after both treatments and results in a more prominent decline in eGFR. Therefore, physicians should reevaluate the renal function after the treatments because pretreatment eGFR alone may not be a good predictor of renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PH), i.e. Conn syndrome, is considered the most common cause of endocrine hypertension with the prevalence of 5-10% in the general population of hypertensive subjects and 20-30% in patients with resistant and severe hypertension. Therefore its systematic screening among hypertonics is very important. Screening of PH should be a part of differential diagnosis in selected groups of hypertonics, especially those with resistant or severe diastolic hypertension. Because long term aldosterone overproduction may cause severe organ complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and renal impairment, it is necessary to recognize and to treat this syndrome very early. This review is focused on clinical management of patients with PH based on current guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychiatrist manifestations-especially acute psychotic episode-of primary hyperaldosteronism is not very common in the scientific literature. The main symptoms are high blood pressure and hypokalemia, the diagnosis seems to be based on the determination of aldosterone and plasma renin activity, also the treatment includes majorly adrenalectomy. The take-away lesson from this case is to think of organic cause in front of acute psychotic episode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Summary: Persistent and progressive weakness secondary to hypokalaemia, that is, hypokalaemic polymyopathy, is one of the most common clinical signs of primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA). Herein, we report a case of PHA with infraspinatus muscle necrosis. A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented with a history of polyuria and polydipsia, decreased activity, staggering gait, difficulty in jumping and inward rotation of both forelimbs. Blood examination revealed hypokalaemia, increased serum creatinine kinase activity and high serum aldosterone concentration. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT revealed an enlarged right adrenal gland. Post-contrast thoracic CT showed peripheral contrast enhancement and a non-enhanced centre in the bilateral infraspinatus muscles. From the day of initial presentation, the cat was started on oral potassium replacement therapy. On day 17, the right adrenal gland was surgically resected and the left infraspinatus muscle was biopsied. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an adrenocortical adenoma in the right adrenal gland and necrosis of the muscle fibres in the left infraspinatus muscle. On day 29, all clinical signs had disappeared, and the serum potassium concentration, creatinine kinase activity and aldosterone concentration had normalised. On day 57, atrophy of the bilateral infraspinatus muscles was noted, but there was no evidence of any posture or gait abnormalities., Relevance and Novel Information: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of possible infraspinatus muscle necrosis in a cat with PHA. It is also possible that the infrinatus muscle necrosis with hypokalaemic polymyopathy secondary to PHA was caused by compartment syndrome in the cat described here., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PH) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension (HTN) and is associated with a higher cardiometabolic risk than essential HTN. Nevertheless, PH remains clearly underdiagnosed. An early diagnosis and adequate treatment of this disease are essential to reduce the cardiometabolic morbimortality associated with aldosterone excess. PH follow-up is equally essential; however, there is little consensus on how it should be performed, being a topic rarely mentioned by the different clinical practice guidelines. The aim of this executive summary is to summarize the recommendations made in the Spanish consensus of PH for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of these patients. The Spanish consensus was reached from a multidisciplinary perspective through a nominal group consensus approach by experts from the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN), the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), the Spanish Society of Radiology (SERAM), the Spanish Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SERVEI), the Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQC(ML)), the Spanish Society of Anatomic-Pathology (EAP), and the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC)., (Copyright © 2024 SEEN and SED. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background Conventional diagnostic approaches for adrenal tumors require multi-step processes, including imaging studies and dynamic hormone tests. Therefore, this study aimed to discriminate adrenal tumors from a single blood sample based on the combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and machine learning algorithms in serum profiling of adrenal steroids. Methods The LC-MS-based steroid profiling was applied to serum samples obtained from patients with nonfunctioning adenoma (NFA, n=73), Cushing’s syndrome (CS, n=30), and primary aldosteronism (PA, n=40) in a prospective multicenter study of adrenal disease. The decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) were performed to categorize the subtypes of adrenal tumors. Results The CS group showed higher serum levels of 11-deoxycortisol than the NFA group, and increased levels of tetrahydrocortisone (THE), 20α-dihydrocortisol, and 6β-hydroxycortisol were found in the PA group. However, the CS group showed lower levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate derivative (DHEA-S) than both the NFA and PA groups. Patients with PA expressed higher serum 18-hydroxycortisol and DHEA but lower THE than NFA patients. The balanced accuracies of DT, RF, and XGBoost for classifying each type were 78%, 96%, and 97%, respectively. In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis for CS, XGBoost, and RF showed a significantly greater diagnostic power than the DT. However, in ROC analysis for PA, only RF exhibited better diagnostic performance than DT. Conclusion The combination of LC-MS-based steroid profiling with machine learning algorithms could be a promising one-step diagnostic approach for the classification of adrenal tumor subtypes.