Hyperaldosteronism
| Hyperaldosteronism | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Aldosterone | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | endocrinology |
| ICD-10 | E26 |
| ICD-9-CM | 255.1 |
| OMIM | 103900 605635 |
| DiseasesDB | 6187 |
| MedlinePlus | 000330 |
| eMedicine | radio/354 |
| Patient UK | Hyperaldosteronism |
| MeSH | D006929 |
Hyperaldosteronism, also aldosteronism, is a medical condition wherein too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, which can lead to lowered levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) and increased hydrogen ion excretion (alkalosis). Most common cause of mineralocorticoid excess is primary hyperaldosteronism reflecting excess production of aldosterone by adrenal zona glomerulosa. Bilateral micronodular hyperplasia is more common than unilateral adrenal adenoma.
It can be asymptomatic, but these symptoms may be present:
In endocrinology, the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' are used to describe the abnormality (e.g., elevated aldosterone) in relation to the defect, i.e., the tumor's location. Hyperaldosteronism can also be caused by plant poisoning, where the patient has been exposed to too much licorice. Licorice a perennial herb that is used in making candies and in cooking other desserts because of its sweet taste. It contains the chemical glycyrrhizin that has medicinal uses, but at higher levels it can be toxic. It has the potential for causing problems with sodium and potassium in the body. It also interferes with the enzyme in the kidneys that converts cortisol to cortisone.
Primary aldosteronism (hyporeninemic hyperaldosteronism) was previously thought to be most commonly caused by an adrenal adenoma, termed Conn's syndrome. However, recent studies have shown that bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia is the cause in up to 70% of cases. Differentiating between the two is important, as this determines treatment. Also see congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Adrenal carcinoma is an extremely rare cause of primary hyperaldosteronism. Two familial forms have been identified: type I (dexamethasone suppressible), and type II (that has been linked to 7p22.)
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