Endocrine Abstracts

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of endocrine hypertension. The identification of the subtype of PA is fundamental to distinguish between subtypes that benefit from surgery and subtypes that should be treated pharmacologically with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. CT scanning is the most sensitive imaging technique for the identification of adrenal nodules but lacks sensitivity and specificity. Also posture test and other clinical criteria of ‘h...

There is no doubt that AVS plays a central role in differentiating PA subtypes and that adrenalectomy is only indicated in patients with unilateral aldosterone hypersecretion.However, AVS is not widely available. It is invasive and not devoid of morbidity (pain, adrenal hematoma). Cannulating the two adrenal veins is technically demanding and may fail in up to one patient in four. The procedure is not standardized (sequential or simultaneous bilateral AV...