The value of CT in the etiological classification of primary aldosteronism

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical value of CT in the identification of the etiology of primary aldosteronism(PA).Methods Seventeen cases who underwent both adrenal vein sampling (AVS)and CT examination were retrospectively investigated.By using results of AVS as gold standard.we evaluated CT in the determination of the etiology of(PA).Results Seven cases showed no abnormalities on CT,and six eases exhibited unilateral or bilateral nodules.Enlarged configuration was found bilaterally in 2 cases and unilaterally in one case.and in another case with contralateral nodules.In 15 cases with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia(BAH)pwved by AVS,7 eases had normal CT ima6ng,5 cases showed CT findings consistent with AVS,and 3 cases showed intermediate findings.Conclusion CT imaging is unreliable in the identification of the etiology of PA,especially in the diagnosis of BAH. Key words: Hyperaldosteronism; Tomography,X-ray computed