Conn's syndrome (also known as primary hyperaldosteronism) is caused by an overproduction of the hormone aldosterone. In most cases, an enlargement of the adrenal cortex is responsible. In some cases, an aldosterone-producing adenoma of the adrenal cortex is the cause of the overproduction. Very rarely, there is a familial form that is genetically inherited.
You can find more information about the clinical picture and selected Conn's syndrome specialists here.
The classic symptoms of an increased aldosterone level in the blood are
However, these symptoms usually only occur if the cause of the overproduction is a benign tumor (adenoma) of the adrenal glands. If, on the other hand, the cause is an enlargement of the adrenal cortex, as in most cases, the only symptom is increased blood pressure.
Conn's syndrome is caused by a disease of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys themselves © 7activestudio | AdobeStock
The disease usually only manifests itself as high blood pressure (hypertension). The diagnosis therefore begins with a search for the cause and classification of the severity of the hypertension. Patients have often been undergoing treatment for this for some time. Conn's syndrome is only suspected when blood pressure cannot be satisfactorily controlled despite various medications.
Aldosterone and renin can be determined as a screening test. Renin is the hormone that regulates the release of aldosterone in healthy people. If aldosterone levels are elevated, renin is downregulated. In Conn's syndrome, the ratio between aldosterone and renin will be very low.
For further diagnosis, other tests are used that attempt to influence aldosterone production in various ways.
To find out the exact cause of Conn's syndrome, imaging procedures are necessary, e.g.
The treatment of Conn's syndrome is initially the same regardless of the cause: doctors try to inhibit the effect of aldosterone in the target cells with medication.
These so-called "aldosterone antagonists" are spironolactone and eplerenone. These are the most effective drugs for lowering blood pressure when the cause is Conn's syndrome.
If Conn's syndrome is caused by an adenoma, this can be removed by surgery. However, it is still necessary to take medication first in order to normalize the aldosterone level and thus reduce the risks of surgery.
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