Adrenal vein sampling and adrenal nodular hyperplasia - Conn syndrome
Presentation
This patient has had hypertension for years. Renin was found to be low. A CT was requested to look for a pheochromocytoma.
Patient Data
CT adrenal glands noncontrast
Nodular hyperplasia of the left adrenal gland (density 5-15 HU). The right adrenal gland appears normal. Given the clinical history, this may represent an adrenal cortical adenoma causing Conn's syndrome. This may be further investigated with adrenal vein sampling and endocrinology aldosterone testing.
Adrenal vein sampling
Specimens were sent for analysis of aldosterone and cortisone as requested.
Result: adrenal vein sampling
The sample from the left adrenal gland is clearly abnormal and in keeping with primary hyperaldosteronism.
Case Discussion
Primary hyperaldosteronism can be due to adrenal hyperplasia (60%), adrenal adenoma (40%), glucocorticoid-remediable hyperaldosteronism (dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism), <1%, and rare entities, such as disorders of the renin-angiotensin system (<1%)