Korean J Med.  2008 Jul;75(1):93-97.

A case of idiopathic hyperaldosteronism vs. bilateral aldosterone producing adenoma

• Lim DM
• Park KY

Abstract

In most cases, primary aldosteronism is due to a unilateral adrenal adenoma or bilateral hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. However, a few bilateral adrenal tumors have also been reported in primary aldosteronism. In such cases, it is important to differentiate bilateral aldosterone-producing adenomas from bilateral adrenal hyperplasia so as to develop the optimal treatment plan. We report a case of idiopathic hyperaldosteronism due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia that could have been misdiagnosed as a bilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma. An adrenal CT scan revealed bilateral adrenal tumors (1.5 cm [right] and 3.6 cm [left] in diameter). Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism was properly diagnosed using a posture test and selective adrenal venous sampling.

Keyword

Primary aldosteronism; Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism; Bilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma

MeSH Terms

Adenoma
Adrenal Cortex
Aldosterone
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperplasia
Posture
Aldosterone