[Adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia? Problems of differential diagnosis in an unusual case of primary hyperaldosteronism]

Minerva Med. 1996 Mar;87(3):93-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Although primary hyperaldosteronism is an uncommon cause of hypertension, it is the most common form of renin-independent hypermineralocorticoidism. The plasma aldosterone concentration and PRA with orthostatic test and saline infusion test are very useful aids to make a diagnosis. In this case the inconsistency between hormonal data and morphologic images (TC and NMR) led us to a dilemma: it was a question of adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia? Because it was impossible to dose the 18-OH-corticosterone, we had to perform a iodocholesterol scintigraphy NP 59. To distinguish an hyperplasia as cause of this kind of hyperaldosteronism made us able to define a therapeutic program useful to hypertension control.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 18-Hydroxycorticosterone / blood
  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Glands / pathology*
  • Aldosterone / blood
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hyperaldosteronism / blood
  • Hyperaldosteronism / diagnosis
  • Hyperaldosteronism / etiology*
  • Hyperplasia
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Aldosterone
  • 18-Hydroxycorticosterone