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Fu S, Xu W, Wang T, Liu J, Li H. Efficacy and safety of adrenal arterial embolization for primary aldosteronism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gland Surg 2024; 13:825-832. [PMID: 39015722 PMCID: PMC11247589 DOI: 10.21037/gs-23-523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Primary aldosteronism (PA) is related with resistant hypertension and cardiovascular events. Adrenal artery embolization (AAE) is a choice for patients who refused surgery and medical therapy. However, whether AAE can effectively and safely treat PA is unclear. We performed this meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of AAE for patients with PA. Methods Databases including Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science were used to obtain relevant articles published before July 30, 2023. The primary outcome was blood pressure before and after AAE. The second outcomes included changes in plasma aldosterone level, serum potassium level, and plasma cortisol level. Results Finally, 7 prospective studies with 222 patients were included. The results showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 21.68 mmHg (P<0.001) and 10.54 mmHg (P=0.007) respectively after AAE. The change in plasma aldosterone and serum potassium level was -11.52 ng/dL and 0.61 mmol/L respectively (P<0.001), whereas the reduction in cortisol level was not apparent. Moreover, AAE is a relatively safe procedure which only causes some minor complications such as back pain and fever. Conclusions This meta-analysis indicated that AAE could effectively and safely treat PA. It is a good choice for patients that are not suitable for adrenalectomy or drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Fu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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2
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Zhou Y, Liu Q, Wang X, Wan J, Liu S, Luo T, He P, Hou J, Pu J, Wang D, Liang D, Yang Y, Wang P. Adrenal Ablation Versus Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism for the Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Hypertens 2022; 35:1014-1023. [PMID: 36205513 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpac105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superselective adrenal arterial embolization (SAAE) is an alternative treatment for patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). This single-center prospective cohort study aimed to compare the efficacy of SAAE with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in treating patients with PA who refused unilateral adrenalectomy. METHODS Of the 140 PA patients who were enrolled in the study and completed 12-month follow-up, 74 patients underwent SAAE and 66 received MRA treatment. The clinical and biochemical outcome was compared at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS Baseline clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patients were similar between groups. Office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure reduction at 1 month after discharge was more pronounced in the SAAE group than MRA group (all P < 0.05) while the blood pressure reduction was comparable between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 months. Patients who underwent SAAE took less antihypertensive medications than the MRA group during 12-month follow-up (P < 0.01). Both SAAE and MRA treatment improved renin suppression, aldosterone-to-renin ratio elevation, and hypokalemia at 6 and 12 months, whereas only SAAE but not MRA reduced plasma aldosterone levels. Moreover, SAAE achieved higher rates of complete clinical and biochemical success than MRA (both P < 0.01). Logistic regression found that complete clinical and biochemical success was only directly associated with diagnosis of unilateral PA in contrast to bilateral PA (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The present study provides evidence that SAAE is a reasonable choice of treatment in patients with either unilateral or bilateral PA in terms of clinical and biochemical outcomes. This study was registered at Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100045896).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Qiting Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Xinquan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Jindong Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Jixin Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Jing Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Dengpan Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Peijian Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Vascular Homeostasis of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
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3
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[Conn's syndrome-Frequent and still too rarely diagnosed to underdiagnosed]. Internist (Berl) 2021; 63:25-33. [PMID: 34846549 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-021-01208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Conn's syndrome represents the most common cause of endocrine hypertension and is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, a series of comorbidities (including type 2 diabetes mellitus) and with their frequent occurrence. Therefore, a correct and rapid diagnosis is of essential importance. Measurement of the aldosterone-renin ratio is used as a first screening test for primary aldosteronism. This should ideally be evaluated under optimized conditions (e.g. at rest), after adjustment of the blood pressure medication and with an equilibrated potassium balance. In cases of elevated aldosterone to renin ratio, further confirmatory testing as well as imaging of the adrenal glands is needed. After confirmation of Conn's syndrome a differentiation between a unilateral and bilateral adrenal disease is necessary for further treatment planning. The current gold standard is still selective adrenal vein catheterization. Promising alternatives to an adrenal vein catheter, such as functional imaging techniques and measurement of steroid profiles are currently being investigated in clinical trials. In cases of lateralization of aldosterone production, unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy of the affected side is the treatment of choice. In contrast, patients with bilateral disease or patients with contraindications for adrenalectomy should receive life-long treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.
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Rossi GP, Bisogni V, Bacca AV, Belfiore A, Cesari M, Concistrè A, Del Pinto R, Fabris B, Fallo F, Fava C, Ferri C, Giacchetti G, Grassi G, Letizia C, Maccario M, Mallamaci F, Maiolino G, Manfellotto D, Minuz P, Monticone S, Morganti A, Muiesan ML, Mulatero P, Negro A, Parati G, Pengo MF, Petramala L, Pizzolo F, Rizzoni D, Rossitto G, Veglio F, Seccia TM. The 2020 Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension (SIIA) practical guidelines for the management of primary aldosteronism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL CARDIOLOGY HYPERTENSION 2020; 5:100029. [PMID: 33447758 PMCID: PMC7803025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchy.2020.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and aim Considering the amount of novel knowledge generated in the last five years, a team of experienced hypertensionlogists was assembled to furnish updated clinical practice guidelines for the management of primary aldosteronism. Methods To identify the most relevant studies, the authors utilized a systematic literature review in international databases by applying the PICO strategy, and then they were required to make use of only those meeting predefined quality criteria. For studies of diagnostic tests, only those that fulfilled the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy recommendations were considered. Results Each section was jointly prepared by at least two co-authors, who provided Class of Recommendation and Level of Evidence following the American Heart Association methodology. The guidelines were sponsored by the Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension and underwent two rounds of revision, eventually reexamined by an External Committee. They were presented and thoroughly discussed in two face-to-face meetings with all co-authors and then presented on occasion of the 36th Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension meeting in order to gather further feedbacks by all members. The text amended according to these feedbacks was subjected to a further peer review. Conclusions After this process, substantial updated information was generated, which could simplify the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and assist practicing physicians in optimizing treatment and follow-up of patients with one of the most common curable causes of arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Paolo Rossi
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
- Corresponding author. DIMED –Clinica dell’Ipertensione Arteriosa, University Hospital, via Giustiniani, 2; 35126, Padova, Italy.
| | - Valeria Bisogni
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | | | - Anna Belfiore
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cesari
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Concistrè
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Unit of Secondary Arterial Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Del Pinto
- University of L'Aquila, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Fallo
- Department of Medicine, DIMED, Internal Medicine 3, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Cristiano Fava
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Italy
| | - Claudio Ferri
- University of L'Aquila, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Letizia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Unit of Secondary Arterial Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccario
- Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Mallamaci
- CNR-IFC Clinical Epidemiology of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maiolino
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Dario Manfellotto
- UO Medicina Interna, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Minuz
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Italy
| | - Silvia Monticone
- Hypertension Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Morganti
- Centro Fisiologia Clinica e Ipertensione, Ospedale Policlinico, Università Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Lorenza Muiesan
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Hypertension Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Aurelio Negro
- Department of Medicine, Center for Hypertension, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca and Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Martino F. Pengo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca and Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Petramala
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Unit of Secondary Arterial Hypertension, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pizzolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Italy
| | - Damiano Rizzoni
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossitto
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Franco Veglio
- Hypertension Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Teresa Maria Seccia
- Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common form of hypertension characterized by autonomous aldosterone secretion from one or both adrenal glands. The purpose of this review is to synthesize recent research findings regarding cardiovascular disease risk in PA both pre- and post-targeted therapy. RECENT FINDINGS Previously considered a rare disease, recent prevalence studies demonstrate that PA is actually a very common, yet vastly under-diagnosed, etiology of hypertension. Prior to targeted therapy, PA is associated with substantially higher rates of cardiovascular disease compared with essential hypertension. Surgical adrenalectomy is highly effective in curing or improving hypertension as well as mitigating cardiovascular disease risk in patients with unilateral PA. For the remainder of PA patients, MR antagonists are recommended; however, several recent studies have brought into question their effectiveness in improving cardiovascular outcomes. PA is a common cause of hypertension that leads to disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Future studies are needed to enhance the clinical approach to both identification and treatment of patients with PA to optimize long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Hundemer
- Division of Nephrology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 1967 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1H 7W9, Canada.
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6
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Stavropoulos K, Papadopoulos C, Koutsampasopoulos K, Lales G, Mitas C, Doumas M. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Primary Aldosteronism. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:5508-5516. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190311130138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background:Primary aldosteronism is the most common causes of secondary hypertension. Patients suffering from this clinical syndrome have an increased cardiovascular risk and target organ damage. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are the optimal pharmaceutical option for the management of such patients.Objectives:The study aimed to assess the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in the treatment of patients with primary aldosteronism.Method:We conducted an in-depth review of the literature and comprehensive identification of the clinical studies investigating the efficacy of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in individuals with primary aldosteronism.Results:Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists result in significant improvement in blood pressure and serum potassium level among patients with primary aldosteronism. Moreover, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists reverse left ventricular hypertrophy, albuminuria, and carotid intima-media thickness. However, a high risk for atrial fibrillation remains among subject with primary aldosteronism in such agents.Conclusion:Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are recommended as the first-line treatment in patients with bilateral primary aldosteronism. In patients with unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma, adrenalectomy should be preferred. However, existing data presents significant limitations and is rather inconclusive. Future randomized control trials are required in order to illustrate the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Stavropoulos
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Papadopoulos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Koutsampasopoulos
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Lales
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Mitas
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Doumas
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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7
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Vaidya A, Mulatero P, Baudrand R, Adler GK. The Expanding Spectrum of Primary Aldosteronism: Implications for Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:1057-1088. [PMID: 30124805 PMCID: PMC6260247 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is characterized by aldosterone secretion that is independent of renin and angiotensin II and sodium status. The deleterious effects of primary aldosteronism are mediated by excessive activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor that results in the well-known consequences of volume expansion, hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis, but it also increases the risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as death. For decades, the approaches to defining, diagnosing, and treating primary aldosteronism have been relatively constant and generally focused on detecting and treating the more severe presentations of the disease. However, emerging evidence suggests that the prevalence of primary aldosteronism is much greater than previously recognized, and that milder and nonclassical forms of renin-independent aldosterone secretion that impart heightened cardiovascular risk may be common. Public health efforts to prevent aldosterone-mediated end-organ disease will require improved capabilities to diagnose all forms of primary aldosteronism while optimizing the treatment approaches such that the excess risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease is adequately mitigated. In this review, we present a physiologic approach to considering the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of primary aldosteronism. We review evidence suggesting that primary aldosteronism manifests across a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from mild to overt, that correlates with cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, we review emerging evidence from genetic studies that begin to provide a theoretical explanation for the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism and a link to its phenotypic severity spectrum and prevalence. Finally, we review human studies that provide insights into the optimal approach toward the treatment of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Rene Baudrand
- Program for Adrenal Disorders and Hypertension, Department of Endocrinology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gail K Adler
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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