Summary
1. Definition:
- Characterized by excessive production of aldosterone by adrenal glands.
- sometimes reffered as Conn Syndrome
2. Causes:
- Most common cause: Adrenal adenoma (benign tumor).
- Less common: Adrenal hyperplasia, Adrenal carcinoma.
3. Clinical Features:
- Hypertension resistant to usual treatment.
- Features of hypokalemia
- Muscle weakness, fatigue.
- Headaches.
- Mild pedal edema (swelling of feet and ankles).
- Absence of significant edema due to aldosterone escape mechanism
4. Diagnosis:
- Elevated aldosterone levels.
- Low renin activity.
- Imaging studies (CT/MRI) to detect adrenal adenoma.
5. Treatment:
- Medications: Spironolactone (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist).
- Surgical removal of adrenal adenoma (adrenalectomy).
- Lifestyle modifications: Low-salt diet, weight management.
Epidemiology