Anomalous postural response of plasma aldosterone concentration in patients with aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma.

Abstract

In normotensive controls and patients with essential hypertension, plasma aldosterone concentration increased during a morning in the standing position. In 6 cases of hyperaldosteronism with bilateral hyperplasia or indeterminate pathology, plasma aldosterone concentration was above normal, increasing further after standing. Seven of 9 patients with hyperaldosteronism due to unilateral adenoma had high resting plasma aldosterone concentration which fell after standing. The change in plasma aldosterone may help to distinguish between adenoma and hyperplasia as the cause of primary aldosteronism.