Definition:

Primary aldosteronism is a clinical syndrome characterized by excess secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal gland. It is manifested by hypertension and hyporeninemia. In the past, hypokalemia was thought to be a mandatory finding in primary aldosteronism. However, later studies confirmed that most patients with primary aldosteronism are normokalemic. The prevalence of primary aldosteronism among nonselected hypertensive persons is between 5% and 13%, and it is now recognized to be the most common form of secondary hypertension. There are the seven subtypes of primary aldosteronism. Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and bilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) are the most common subtypes of primary aldosteronism. Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia, aldosterone-producing adrenocortical carcinoma, ectopic aldosterone-producing adenoma, and familial hyperaldosteronism (type I and typeII) are unusual subtypes. Somatic mutations in KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and CACNA1D have been described in APAs. Usually, adenomas are managed surgically and bilateral hyperplasia, medically.