1
|
Younes N, St-Jean M, Desrochers MJ, Therasse E, Latour M, Bourdeau I, Lacroix A. Usefulness of the Upright Posture Test in the Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae155. [PMID: 39301312 PMCID: PMC11411212 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the usefulness of the upright posture stimulation test (UPT) in the confirmation of primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients in whom saline tests (ST) were inconclusive. Methods One hundred eighty-seven adult patients with possible PA were retrospectively included and compared to 25 control subjects. Blood samples were obtained after a 1-hour supine posture and during 2 hours of ambulation. An increase in plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) ≥ 50% with a suppressed renin (≤10.1 ng/L; ≤1 ng/mL/hour) and a cortisol increase ≤50% were considered abnormal. Results PA patients had higher basal PAC and lower basal direct renin concentration (DRC) (P < .0001) and a higher maximal PAC (P = .0025) and lower maximal DRC (DRCmax) (P < .0001) during UPT compared to controls. PA was confirmed in 145 patients (77.5%), based on either oral/IV ST or UPT. DRCmax ≤12 ng/L during UPT was a predictor of PA (receiver operating characteristic curve sensitivity 93.8%, specificity 88%), and 95.6% of PA patients increased PAC ≥50% on UPT (median 222.2%), while renin remained suppressed. All 41 PA patients with false-negative IV ST (PAC < 162 pmol/L) and 88.9% with borderline response (162-240 pmol/L) had a DRCmax ≤12, while, respectively, 97.6% and 100% increased aldosterone by ≥50%. Similar responses to UPT were found in lateralized (28/63) and bilateral PA source (35/63). PA diagnosis increased from 23.6% to 88.8% using UPT results instead of IV ST and were confirmed at pathology and clinical outcome after adrenalectomy (n = 22). Conclusion UPT can be useful to confirm PA, particularly in patients with suspected false-negative ST.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nada Younes
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Matthieu St-Jean
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1H 5H3
| | - Marie-Josée Desrochers
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Eric Therasse
- Department of Radiology, Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Mathieu Latour
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zuo R, Liu S, Xu L, Pang H. Key to the Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism in Secondary Hypertension: Subtype Diagnosis. Curr Hypertens Rep 2023; 25:471-480. [PMID: 37787864 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a leading global cause of secondary hypertension. Subtyping diagnosis of PA is the key to surgery, but accurate classification of PA is crucial but challenging in clinical diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of current literature and propose subtyping diagnosis flow chart to help us classify PA quickly and accurately. RECENT FINDINGS Early diagnosis and accurate typing are essential for the timely treatment and appropriate management of PA. For most patients, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the central choice for typing diagnosis, but AVS is invasive and difficult to promote effectively. CT can help identify unilateral typical adenomas in select patients to avoid AVS. New radionuclide imaging has shown value in the diagnosis and classification of PA, which distinguishes adrenocortical hyperplasia from adenoma and can replace AVS in some patients. Accurately diagnosing unilateral PA is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment strategy for PA. The simple flow chart of PA subtyping diagnosis based on the current literature needs to be verified and evaluated by follow-up researches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zuo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hua Pang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adrenal Venous Sampling Could Be Omitted before Surgery in Patients with Conn’s Adenoma Confirmed by Computed Tomography and Higher Normal Aldosterone Concentration after Saline Infusion Test. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071718. [PMID: 35885622 PMCID: PMC9315939 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) performed to distinguish unilateral and bilateral primary aldosteronism (PA) is invasive and poorly standardized. This study aimed to identify non-invasive characteristics that can select the patients with unilateral PA who could bypass AVS before surgery. Methods: A single-center study collected a total of 450 patients with PA. Development and validation cohorts included 242 and 208 patients. The AVS was successful in 150 and 138 patients from the cohorts, and the unilateral PA was found in 96 and 94 patients, respectively. Clinical factors independently associated with lateralized AVS in multivariable logistic regression were used to construct a unilateral PA prediction score (SCORE). Results: The proposed SCORE was calculated as a sum of the prevalence of adrenal nodule on computed tomography (2 points) and plasma/serum aldosterone concentration ≥ 165 ng/L after the saline infusion test (SIT) (1 point). Importantly, the SCORE = 3 points identified 48% of unilateral PA patients with a specificity of 100% in the development cohort. The zero rate of false-positive classifications was preserved with the same cut-off value in the validation cohort. Conclusions: AVS could be omitted before surgery in patients with typical Conn´s adenoma provided the aldosterone concentration ≥ 165 ng/L after the SIT.
Collapse
|
4
|
Teresa Fuss C, Brohm K, Fassnacht M, Kroiss M, Hahner S. Reassessment of Postural Stimulation Testing as a Simple Tool to Identify a Subgroup of Patients With Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e865-e873. [PMID: 34415988 PMCID: PMC8764226 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) represents the current diagnostic gold standard for differentiation between unilateral and bilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). Postural stimulation testing (PST) has been used to provide additional diagnostic information. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of PST in the differential diagnosis of PA. METHODS This cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary reference center. We analyzed 106 PST performed between 2008 and 2020. Diagnosis of PA and cause of PA were determined according to the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline, taking into account results of saline infusion testing, AVS, preoperative imaging, and outcome after medical or surgical treatment. The suggested cutoffs for the diagnosis of unilateral PA were revisited and optimized for high specificity using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. RESULTS A total of 106 patients had confirmed PA (unilateral PA: n = 55, bilateral PA: n = 29, AVS unsuccessful/declined by patients: n = 22). Based on decreased aldosterone plasma concentration of 28% or more after 4 hours in the upright position, the PST showed a sensitivity of 36.4% at a specificity of 100% to identify unilateral disease (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.62-0.83; P = .001). In patients with valid testing (drop of cortisol of 10% or more after 4 hours, n = 53) the sensitivity of PST rose to 51.4% at a specificity of 100% (AUC = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65-0.90; P = .001). CONCLUSION The high specificity of 100% for the detection of unilateral PA in patients with decreased aldosterone by at least 28% after 4 hours makes PST a simple, noninvasive contribution to subtype differentiation in PA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Teresa Fuss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Correspondence: Carmina Teresa Fuss, MD, Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Strasse 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Brohm
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Central Laboratory, Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Central Laboratory, Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- LMU Klinikum, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hahner
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leung HT, Woo YC, Fong CHY, Tan KCB, Lau EYF, Chan KW, Leung JYY. A clinical prediction score using age at diagnosis and saline infusion test parameters can predict aldosterone-producing adenoma from idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:347-355. [PMID: 31529391 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accurate subtyping of the primary aldosteronism into aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia (IAH) is important to direct for specific treatment modalities. The objective of the study was to compare the clinical and biochemical parameters of APA and IAH patients to derive a Clinical Prediction Score reliably predicting APA from IAH. METHODS This was a retrospective multi-centre study recruiting 38 APA patients and 42 IAH patients from four major hospitals in Hong Kong using database from Surgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Programme and Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System. Their clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Patients in APA group were younger than IAH group (mean age 48.6 ± 9.2 vs. 57.1 ± 7.3 years old, p < 0.001), had more suppressed renin before saline infusion in saline infusion test (SIT) (median 0.19 [IQR 0.15-0.37] vs. 0.39 [IQR 0.19-0.69] ng/mL/h, p = 0.01), and higher aldosterone level after saline infusion in SIT (median 674 [IQR 498-1000] vs. 327 [IQR 242-483] pmol/L, p < 0.001). A clinical prediction score using three parameters was devised, comprising age at diagnosis < 50 years, PRA before saline infusion in SIT ≤ 0.26 ng/mL/h, and aldosterone level after saline infusion in SIT ≥ 424 pmol/L. A score of 2 would predict APA with a sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 88.1%, and a score of 3 would predict APA with a sensitivity of 31.6% and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS Clinical Prediction Score based on the combination of age at diagnosis, PRA, and aldosterone level in the saline infusion tests could reliably predict APA from IAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H T Leung
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
| | - Y C Woo
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - C H Y Fong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - K C B Tan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - E Y F Lau
- Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
| | - K W Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong
| | - J Y Y Leung
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stowasser M, Gordon RD. Primary Aldosteronism: Changing Definitions and New Concepts of Physiology and Pathophysiology Both Inside and Outside the Kidney. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1327-84. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00026.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 60 years that have passed since the discovery of the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone, much has been learned about its synthesis (both adrenal and extra-adrenal), regulation (by renin-angiotensin II, potassium, adrenocorticotrophin, and other factors), and effects (on both epithelial and nonepithelial tissues). Once thought to be rare, primary aldosteronism (PA, in which aldosterone secretion by the adrenal is excessive and autonomous of its principal regulator, angiotensin II) is now known to be the most common specifically treatable and potentially curable form of hypertension, with most patients lacking the clinical feature of hypokalemia, the presence of which was previously considered to be necessary to warrant further efforts towards confirming a diagnosis of PA. This, and the appreciation that aldosterone excess leads to adverse cardiovascular, renal, central nervous, and psychological effects, that are at least partly independent of its effects on blood pressure, have had a profound influence on raising clinical and research interest in PA. Such research on patients with PA has, in turn, furthered knowledge regarding aldosterone synthesis, regulation, and effects. This review summarizes current progress in our understanding of the physiology of aldosterone, and towards defining the causes (including genetic bases), epidemiology, outcomes, and clinical approaches to diagnostic workup (including screening, diagnostic confirmation, and subtype differentiation) and treatment of PA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stowasser
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard D. Gordon
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lau JHG, Sze WCC, Reznek RH, Matson M, Sahdev A, Carpenter R, Berney DM, Akker SA, Chew SL, Grossman AB, Monson JP, Drake WM. A prospective evaluation of postural stimulation testing, computed tomography and adrenal vein sampling in the differential diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2012; 76:182-8. [PMID: 21895732 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04202.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT In primary aldosteronism (PA), discriminating unilateral from bilateral disease is crucial because adrenalectomy is frequently curative in the former case but rarely helps in the latter. Various series have reported the utility of postural stimulation testing (PST), cross-sectional imaging and adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in the assessment of PA, but most of these studies were retrospective. OBJECTIVE To prospectively determine the diagnostic utility of PST, AVS and computed tomography (CT) using a radiological scoring system in the assessment of PA in a tertiary centre, as well as to document the incidence of autonomous cortisol cosecretion. DESIGN AND SETTING Fifty consecutive patients with PA underwent PST, CT, AVS and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test with measurement of serum cortisol at 48 h. For patients who underwent surgery, histological confirmation, and a normal postoperative serum aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity were taken as evidence for unilateral disease. For other patients, results from successful adrenal vein sampling were the diagnostic evidence against which CT and PST were assessed. RESULTS Postural stimulation testing had a sensitivity and specificity of 44-56% and 71-75%, respectively. CT had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 80%, respectively, rising to 100% sensitivity and specificity if there was a single, discrete macronodule with an unequivocally normal contralateral gland. Evidence of cosecretion of cortisol occurred in 14% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary experience is presented of an objective radiological scoring system for selecting patients with PA for AVS. PST provides little, if any, useful additional information. A significant minority of patients with PA exhibit evidence of cortisol cosecretion, which may have implications for perioperative management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeshen H G Lau
- Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Plamondon I, Agharazii M, Douville P, Lebel M. Morning Plasma Aldosterone Predicts the Subtype of Primary Aldosteronism Independant of Sodium Intake. Clin Exp Hypertens 2009; 29:127-34. [PMID: 17364612 DOI: 10.1080/10641960701195520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the potential predictive value of supine morning plasma aldosterone concentration, a component of the postural stimulation test (PST), in distinguishing aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) from idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia (IAH) in a series of 61 patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism (PAL). The reproducibility of the PST was also tested under conditions of both normal- and high-sodium intake. Twenty-seven patients had surgery-confirmed unique APA. Thirty-four patients were classified as IAH and treated medically. Morning plasma aldosterone values were significantly higher in patients with APA compared to those with IAH (p < 0.01) on both diets. Using the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, it was observed that the cutoff values in the highest (>900 pmol/L or 32 ng/dl) and lowest (<300 pmol/L or 11 ng/dl) range of the morning plasma aldosterone measurements were predictive of the subtype diagnosis in about 50% of PAL cases (31 of 61 patients). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the PST were >70% on both sodium diets. The PST was also reproducible irrespective of sodium intake. Moreover, one of its components, the supine morning plasma aldosterone, can be used as an indicator for the subtype diagnosis in about half of PAL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plamondon
- CHUQ, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lau JHG, Drake W, Matson M. The Current Role of Venous Sampling in the Localization of Endocrine Disease. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2007; 30:555-70. [PMID: 17546403 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-007-9028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine venous sampling plays a specific role in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders. In this article, we cover inferior petrosal sinus sampling, selective parathyroid venous sampling, hepatic venous sampling with arterial stimulation, adrenal venous sampling, and ovarian venous sampling. We review their indications and the scientific evidence justifying these indications in the diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic endocrine tumors, Conn's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytomas, and androgen-secreting ovarian tumors. For each sampling technique, we compare its diagnostic accuracy with that of other imaging techniques and, where possible, look at how it impacts patient management. Finally, we incorporate venous sampling into diagnostic algorithms used at our institution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeshen H G Lau
- Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Plouin PF, Amar L, Chatellier G. Trends in the prevalence of primary aldosteronism, aldosterone-producing adenomas, and surgically correctable aldosterone-dependent hypertension. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2004; 19:774-7. [PMID: 15031328 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfh112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
11
|
Abstract
Hypertension with hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and suppressed plasma renin activity defines mineralocorticoid hypertension. Mineralocorticoid hypertension is the consequence of an overactivity of the epithelial sodium channel expressed at the apical membrane of renal cells in the distal nephron. This is usually the case when the mineralocorticoid receptor is activated by its physiologic substrate aldosterone. The best known form of mineralocorticoid hypertension is an aldosterone-producing adrenal tumor leading to primary aldosteronism. Primary aldosteronism can also be caused by unilateral or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and rarely adrenal carcinoma. Interestingly, most of the inherited monogenic disorders associated with hypertension involve an excessive activation of the mineralocorticoid axis. In some of these disorders, mineralocorticoid hypertension results from activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor by other steroids (cortisol, deoxycorticosterone), by primary activation of the receptor itself, or by constitutive overactivity of the renal epithelial sodium channel. The present review addresses the physiology and significance of the key players of the mineralocorticoid axis, placing emphasis on the conditions leading to mineralocorticoid hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ferrari
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, University of Berne, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism still remains unknown. In mRNA and protein levels, overexpression of aldosterone synthase (P-450aldo) is recognized, although abnormalities and defects of DNA and its upper stream have not been detected. Several candidate genes responsible for pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism, such as renin, angiotensin receptor type II, etc., have been proposed, but no decisive genes have been found. A relatively reliable screening for hyperaldosteronism is a determination of the ratio of the plasma aldosterone level to the plasma renin activity. For differentiating several types of aldosteronisms, the simplest test is the response of plasma aldosterone to two hours in an upright posture: plasma aldosterone rises in most patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. In contrast, in cases of autonomous aldosterone-producing tumor, most patients show no response or even a decrease in plasma aldosterone concentration. The size and location of the aldosterone-producing adenoma are determined by using computed tomography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Suzuki
- Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical School, Iruma-gun, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Affiliation(s)
- A Ganguly
- Medical Service, James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Hospital and University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Klemm SA, Ballantine DM, Tunny TJ, Stowasser M, Gordon RD. PCR-SSCP analysis of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene in patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1995; 22:457-9. [PMID: 8582102 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1995.tb02043.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
1. In patients with primary aldosteronism due to angiotensin-responsive and angiotensin-unresponsive aldosterone-producing adenomas, no differences in the coding region of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor gene were observed compared to normal subjects in peripheral blood leucocyte DNA. 2. Furthermore, no differences in the AT1 receptor gene were observed in DNA extracted from tumour tissue of either subgroup. 3. Genotypic and allelic frequencies for an RFLP detected in the coding region of the AT1 receptor gene were not significantly different between normal subjects and patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas as a group, nor between normal subjects and patients of either subgroup when compared with each other. 4. In those patients heterozygous in peripheral blood at the RFLP site, tumour DNA showed the same allelic pattern. 5. In patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas either responsive or unresponsive to the renin-angiotensin system, no differences were detected using SSCP analysis in the coding region of the AT1 receptor gene in peripheral blood or tumour tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Klemm
- Hypertension Unit, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|