The prediction of anatomical morphology of primary aldosteronism using serum 18-hydroxycorticosterone levels.

Abstract

Serum 18-hydroxycorticosterone, aldosterone, and potassium were measured under basal conditions in 34 patients with documented primary aldosteronism, 10 patients with essential hypertension, and 9 normal subjects. The results revealed that 22 of 23 patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas had 18-hydroxycorticosterone levels greater than 100 ng/dl, and all 9 patients with idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia had plasma levels less than 100 ng/dl. Two patients with unusual macromicronodular hyperplasia of the adrenal glands had levels greater than 100 ng/dl. We found a significant relationship between serum potassium and the ratio of 18-hydroxycorticosterone to aldosterone in patients with idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia, but not in those with an aldosterone-producing adenoma. We conclude that measurement of serum 18-hydroxycorticosterone is a useful predictor of the etiology of primary aldosteronism.

• Authors: D C Kem, K Tang, C S Hanson, R D Brown, R Painton, M H Weinberger, J W Hollifield
• Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (J Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 60 Issue 1 Pg. 67-73 (Jan 1985) ISSN: 0021-972X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3964794 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Aldosterone
• 18-Hydroxycorticosterone
• Potassium
• Corticosterone

Topics

• 18-Hydroxycorticosterone (blood)
• Adenoma (blood, pathology)
• Adrenal Gland Neoplasms (blood, pathology)
• Adrenal Glands (pathology)
• Aldosterone (blood)
• Corticosterone (analogs & derivatives)
• Humans
• Hyperaldosteronism (blood, pathology)
• Hyperplasia (blood)
• Hypertension (blood)
• Potassium (blood)
• Retrospective Studies