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Chen JY, Huang KH, Lin YH, Chueh JS, Wang HY, Wu VC. Association of Dip in eGFR With Clinical Outcomes in Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism Patients After Adrenalectomy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e965-e974. [PMID: 38051943 PMCID: PMC10876388 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary aldosteronism (PA) leads to kidney function deterioration after treatment, but the effects of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dip following adrenalectomy and its long-term implications are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine eGFR dip in patients with unilateral PA (uPA) after adrenalectomy and clarify their long-term prognosis. METHODS This multicenter prospective population-based cohort study, enrolled patients with uPA who underwent adrenalectomy. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on their eGFR dip ratio. Outcomes investigated included mortality, cardiovascular composite events, and major adverse kidney events (MAKEs). RESULTS Among 445 enrolled patients, those with an eGFR dip ratio worse than -30% (n = 74, 16.6%) were older, had higher blood pressure, higher aldosterone concentration, and lower serum potassium levels. During 5.0 ± 3.6 years of follow-up, 2.9% died, 14.6% had cardiovascular composite events, and 17.3% had MAKEs. The group with eGFR dip worse than -30% had a higher risk of MAKEs (P < .001), but no significant differences in mortality (P = .295) or new-onset cardiovascular composite outcomes (P = .373) were found. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with an eGFR dip ratio worse than -30% were significantly associated with older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04), preoperative eGFR (OR, 1.02), hypokalemia (OR, 0.45), preoperative systolic blood pressure (OR, 1.03), and plasma aldosterone concentration (OR, 0.99). CONCLUSION Within 5 years post adrenalectomy, 17.3% of patients had reduced kidney function. Notably, individuals with an eGFR dip ratio worse than -30% faced higher MAKE risks, underscoring the need to monitor kidney function in PA patients after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Yi Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-How Huang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hung Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Jeff S Chueh
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yi Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
- Department of Sport Management, College of Leisure and Recreation Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
| | - Vin-Cent Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
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Graven RD, Lee I, Ren J, Yang J, Egerton-Warburton D. Hypertension in the emergency department: A missed opportunity to screen for primary aldosteronism? Acad Emerg Med 2024; 31:156-163. [PMID: 37897111 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common but underdiagnosed secondary cause of hypertension. Emergency departments (EDs) often assess patients with severe hypertension or its sequelae, some of whom have underlying PA. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients presenting to the ED with hypertension who meet the Endocrine Society criteria for PA testing and the proportion who were screened. METHODS We performed a structured retrospective chart review of adults who presented to three EDs in an Australian tertiary health network between August 2019 and February 2020, with a coded presenting complaint of hypertension. Clinical parameters to determine whether the patients met the criteria for PA testing were extracted from electronic medical records. RESULTS Of the 418 patients who presented to the EDs with documented elevated blood pressure (BP), 181 patients (43.3%) fulfilled PA screening criteria and nine patients (2.2%) underwent PA testing. Individuals who fulfilled screening criteria were older; had higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure; took more antihypertensive medications; and had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Individuals who were tested for PA were younger and had higher BP on presentation. Screening for PA was more frequent in patients who were referred to medical teams. CONCLUSIONS As far as we are aware, our study is the first to evaluate PA testing in hypertensive patients who present to ED. More than 40% of adults presenting to the EDs with hypertension met the current criteria for testing for PA but only few were tested. These results emphasize that increased awareness of PA in the ED is needed to encourage opportunistic testing, referral, and treatment, especially in patients who present with hypertensive emergencies. Prospective studies are required to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignatius Lee
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jing Ren
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jun Yang
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Science at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diana Egerton-Warburton
- Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Emergency Research Collaborative, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Science at Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Charoensri S, Bashaw L, Dehmlow C, Ellies T, Wyckoff J, Turcu AF. Evaluation of a Best-Practice Advisory for Primary Aldosteronism Screening. JAMA Intern Med 2024; 184:174-182. [PMID: 38190155 PMCID: PMC10775078 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.7389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Importance Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fewer than 2% to 4% of patients at risk are evaluated for PA. Objective To develop and evaluate an electronic health record best-practice advisory (BPA) that assists with PA screening. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective quality improvement study was conducted at academic center outpatient clinics. Data analysis was performed between February and June 2023 and included adults with hypertension and at least 1 of the following: 4 or more current antihypertensive medications; hypokalemia; age younger than 35 years; or adrenal nodule(s). Patients previously tested for PA were excluded. Exposure A noninterruptive BPA was developed to trigger for PA screening candidates seen in outpatient setting by clinicians who treat hypertension. The BPA included an order set for PA screening and a link to results interpretation guidance. Main Outcomes and Measures (1) The number of PA screening candidates identified by the BPA between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022; (2) the rates of PA screening; and (3) the BPA use patterns, stratified by physician specialty were assessed. Results Over 15 months, the BPA identified 14 603 unique candidates (mean [SD] age, 65.5 [16.9] years; 7300 women [49.9%]; 371 [2.5%] Asian, 2383 [16.3%] Black, and 11 225 [76.9%] White individuals) for PA screening, including 7028 (48.1%) with treatment-resistant hypertension, 6351 (43.5%) with hypokalemia, 1537 (10.5%) younger than 35 years, and 445 (3.1%) with adrenal nodule(s). In total, 2040 patients (14.0%) received orders for PA screening. Of these, 1439 patients (70.5%) completed the recommended screening within the system, and 250 (17.4%) had positive screening results. Most screening orders were placed by internists (40.0%) and family medicine physicians (28.1%). Family practitioners (80.3%) and internists (68.9%) placed most orders via the embedded order set, while specialists placed most orders (83.0%-95.4%) outside the BPA. Patients who received screening were younger and included more women and Black patients than those not screened. The likelihood of screening was higher among patients with obesity and dyslipidemia and lower in those with chronic kidney disease and established cardiovascular complications. Conclusions and Relevance The study results suggest that noninterruptive BPAs are potentially promising PA screening-assistance tools, particularly among primary care physicians. Combined with artificial intelligence algorithms that optimize the detection yield, refined BPAs may contribute to personalized hypertension care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suranut Charoensri
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Linda Bashaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Cheryl Dehmlow
- Health Information and Technology Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Tammy Ellies
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jennifer Wyckoff
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Adina F. Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Hundemer GL, Leung AA, Kline GA, Brown JM, Turcu AF, Vaidya A. Biomarkers to Guide Medical Therapy in Primary Aldosteronism. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:69-94. [PMID: 37439256 PMCID: PMC10765164 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an endocrinopathy characterized by dysregulated aldosterone production that occurs despite suppression of renin and angiotensin II, and that is non-suppressible by volume and sodium loading. The effectiveness of surgical adrenalectomy for patients with lateralizing PA is characterized by the attenuation of excess aldosterone production leading to blood pressure reduction, correction of hypokalemia, and increases in renin-biomarkers that collectively indicate a reversal of PA pathophysiology and restoration of normal physiology. Even though the vast majority of patients with PA will ultimately be treated medically rather than surgically, there is a lack of guidance on how to optimize medical therapy and on key metrics of success. Herein, we review the evidence justifying approaches to medical management of PA and biomarkers that reflect endocrine principles of restoring normal physiology. We review the current arsenal of medical therapies, including dietary sodium restriction, steroidal and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, epithelial sodium channel inhibitors, and aldosterone synthase inhibitors. It is crucial that clinicians recognize that multimodal medical treatment for PA can be highly effective at reducing the risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes when titrated with intention. The key biomarkers reflective of optimized medical therapy are unsurprisingly similar to the physiologic expectations following surgical adrenalectomy: control of blood pressure with the fewest number of antihypertensive agents, normalization of serum potassium without supplementation, and a rise in renin. Pragmatic approaches to achieve these objectives while mitigating adverse effects are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Hundemer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Alexander A Leung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gregory A Kline
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jenifer M Brown
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Cohen DL, Wachtel H, Vaidya A, Hundemer GL, Tezuka Y, Davio A, Turcu AF, Cohen JB. Primary Aldosteronism in Chronic Kidney Disease: Blood Pressure Control and Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Surgical Versus Medical Management. Hypertension 2023; 80:2187-2195. [PMID: 37593884 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be deferred due to limited evidence supporting safety and efficacy of treatment. Our goal was to assess clinical outcomes in patients with PA and CKD who received surgical or medical management. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with PA and CKD who underwent adrenal vein sampling from 2009-2019. We characterized clinical outcomes and evaluated differences by surgical versus medical management. Primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure and number of antihypertensive medications. Secondary outcomes were diastolic blood pressure, serum potassium, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and kidney and cardiovascular events. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and eGFR. RESULTS Of 239 participants with PA and CKD, 158 (66%) underwent adrenalectomy, and 81 (34%) were treated medically. Mean age was 57±10 years, 67% were female, mean eGFR was 45±12 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and 49% were on potassium supplementation. At 5 years, mean blood pressure decreased from 149±22/85±14 to 131±28/78±16 mm Hg and mean number of antihypertensive medications decreased from 4.0±1.5 to 2.4±1.4. Adrenalectomy, compared to medical management, was associated with similar systolic blood pressure (-0.90 mm Hg [95% CI, -6.99 to 5.07]) but fewer medications (1.7 [95% CI, -2.24 to -1.10]), and no difference in potassium levels or kidney or cardiovascular outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PA and CKD are likely to benefit from either surgical adrenalectomy or medical management. Detection and treatment of PA may help to reduce blood pressure and medication burden in patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie L Cohen
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division (D.L.C., J.B.C.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Heather Wachtel
- Department of Surgery (H.W.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Center for Adrenal Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.V.)
| | - Gregory L Hundemer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada (G.L.H.)
| | - Yuta Tezuka
- Division of Clinical Hypertension, Endocrinology and Metabolism (Y.T.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Vascular Medicine (Y.T.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Angela Davio
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (A.D., A.F.T.)
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (A.D., A.F.T.)
| | - Jordana B Cohen
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division (D.L.C., J.B.C.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (J.B.C.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Funes Hernandez M, Bhalla V. Underdiagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism: A Review of Screening and Detection. Am J Kidney Dis 2023; 82:333-346. [PMID: 36965825 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.01.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
A clinical condition may be missed due to its higher-than-recognized prevalence or inadequate diagnostic screening. Both factors apply to primary aldosteronism, which is woefully underdiagnosed as a cause of hypertension and end-organ damage. Screening tests should be strongly considered for diseases that pose significant morbidity or mortality if left untreated, that have a high prevalence, and that have treatments that lead to improvement or cure. In this review we present the evidence for each of these points. We outline studies that estimate the prevalence of primary aldosteronism in different at-risk populations and how its recognition has changed over time. We also evaluate myriad studies of screening rates for primary aldosteronism and what factors do and do not influence current screening practices. We discuss the ideal conditions for screening, measuring the aldosterone to renin ratio in different populations that use plasma renin activity or direct renin concentration, and the steps for diagnostic workup of primary aldosteronism. Finally, we conclude with potential strategies to implement higher rates of screening and diagnosis of this common, consequential, and treatable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Funes Hernandez
- Stanford Hypertension Center and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Vivek Bhalla
- Stanford Hypertension Center and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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Jia M, Lin L, Yu H, Yang B, Xu X, Song X. Case series: Primary aldosteronism diagnosed despite normal screening investigations: A report of three cases. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33724. [PMID: 37335717 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Since the introduction of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) as a screening tool for primary aldosteronism (PA), there has been a marked increase in the reported prevalence of this condition among hypertensive, even normotensive, subjects. PATIENT CONCERNS But ARR as a spot blood draw for estimating a patient's aldosterone secretory status is influenced by many factors. DIAGNOSES Here, we describe a series of patients with biochemically confirmed PA, whose diagnosis was delayed by the initial ARR assessment with non-suppressed renin. INTERVENTIONS Patient 1 had a history of resistant hypertension for many years and had a negative initial screening for secondary hypertension (including ARR). At the reevaluation, ARR was close to cutoff still with normal renin after strict and extended drug washout, and the further workup for PA demonstrated a unilateral aldosterone producing adenoma that was surgically removed, with subsequent complete biochemical remission and partial clinical success. Patient 2 was diagnosed with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism combined with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which could increase renin resulting in a negative ARR, and finally got a better treatment effect with PA-specific spironolactone, as well as continuous positive airway pressure. Patient 3 with hypokalemia as the main presentation was finally diagnosed with PA after excluding other diseases, and proceeded to laparoscopic adrenalectomy and histologically confirmed an aldosterone producing adenoma. Postoperatively, patient 3 achieved complete biochemical success without any medicine. OUTCOMES The clinical status of all three patients was effectively managed, resulting in either complete resolution or notable improvement of their respective conditions. LESSONS After rigorous standardized diagnostic evaluation, there are still many reasons for ARR negative in PA, but they all basically occur in the background of normal or normal-high renin without suppression. A negative screening test result should be repeated and analyzed carefully if this is not consistent with the clinical picture. If, despite a repeatedly negative ARR, clinical suspicion remains high, we recommend consideration of further evaluation, including confirmatory tests and adrenal venous blood sampling (AVS) or even 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT to better confirm the diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyue Jia
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liya Lin
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanxiao Yu
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boyun Yang
- Department of Allergy, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Song
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of hypertension and is a risk factor for cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality, via mechanisms mediated by both hypertension and direct insults to target organs. Despite its high prevalence and associated complications, primary aldosteronism remains largely under-recognized, with less than 2% of people in at-risk populations ever tested. Fundamental progress made over the past decade has transformed our understanding of the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism and of its clinical phenotypes. The dichotomous paradigm of primary aldosteronism diagnosis and subtyping is being redefined into a multidimensional spectrum of disease, which spans subclinical stages to florid primary aldosteronism, and from single-focal or multifocal to diffuse aldosterone-producing areas, which can affect one or both adrenal glands. This Review discusses how redefining the primary aldosteronism syndrome as a multidimensional spectrum will affect the approach to the diagnosis and subtyping of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Jun Yang
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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