Selective Hypoaldosteronism

Abstract

Selective hypoaldosteronism is the syndrome with hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency without lack of the other steroids. The syndrome is classified to two types: primary selective hypoaldosteronism caused by congenital (familiar) or acquired defect in aldosterone biosynthesis resulting in high renin activity; and secondary selective hypoaldosteronism caused by primary deficiency of renin production or storage in juxtaglomerular apparatus resulted from chronic renal disorder, such as diabetic nephropathy, in addition to which adrenal defects in aldosterone biosynthesis are also detected. On the other hand, pseudoaldosteronism is caused by congenital or acquired disorder in aldosterone receptors of renal tubules, with normal aldosterone biosynthesis in adrenal glomerular cells.It is suggested that a selective lack of aldosterone should be considered in all cases of otherwise unexplained hyperkalemia.