Isolated Aldosterone Deficiency Research Articles

7094 Post Unilateral Adrenalectomy Hyporeninemic Hypoaldosteronism: Requiring Long Term Fludrocortisone In Managing Hyperkalemia And Renal Dysfunction

Abstract Disclosure: R. Rani: None. K. Bidani: None. R. Roy: None. Adrenalectomy, seen as a potentially curative measure for unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), targets both biochemical and clinical resolution. However, postoperative challenges may arise, including acute renal failure and hyperkalemia, due to inadequate aldosterone secretion, a consequence of prolonged suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on the contralateral side. Our case underscores the postoperative challenge of isolated aldosterone deficiency leading to renal function deterioration and hyperkalemia, necessitating fludrocortisone therapy. We are presenting case of 71-year-old male with a history of uncontrolled hypertension for over 30 years with hypokalemia (taking KCL 20mEq daily). Initial laboratory findings revealed elevated aldosterone levels 79ng/dL and an aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR)> 20, K- 3.2mmol/L, creatinine 1.32mg/dl, Na-145 mmol/L with normal cortisol and plasma metanephrines levels. CT abdomen disclosed a 21 x 18 mm right adrenal adenoma, with subsequent confirmation of lateralization through Adrenal vein sampling. The patient underwent right adrenalectomy. Two weeks post-surgery, he presented to the emergency department with symptoms of fatigue and weakness. Laboratory results indicated hyperkalemia (K- 6.5 mmol/L) and elevated creatinine (3.52mg/dl) with undetectable aldosterone and renin levels. Urinalysis and CT abdomen ruled out other causes of acute renal injury. Initial management included intravenous fluids and Potassium supplementation. However, due to persistent hypokalemia, the patient was initiated on fludrocortisone (0.1 mcg daily). Subsequent follow-up demonstrated improvement in renal function and potassium levels, however, his aldosterone and renin levels remain undetectable. Hyperkalemia incidence post-adrenalectomy in primary aldosteronism (PA) ranges from 6.3% to 29.1%. Notably, older age and preexisting impaired renal function, particularly in cases with prolonged hypertension are identified as potential risk factors for postoperative hyperkalemia and renal failure. Understanding the potential for a further decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) post-surgery becomes crucial. This decline might manifest as a transient or permanent issue, necessitating prolonged fludrocortisone treatment. This case highlights the importance of tailored preoperative assessment and postoperative management to mitigate complications in high-risk populations. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Neonatal salt wasting syndrome: Aldosterone synthase deficiency caused by a new splicing variant in CYP11B2

Aldosterone synthase deficiency (ASD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder involving isolated aldosterone deficiency without any compromise of other adrenal hormones. This condition manifests mainly in the neonatal period and in infants as a salt wasting syndrome with vomiting and failure to thrive. Due to its potentially life-threatening effects, ASD requires a careful and early diagnosis based on appropriate hormonal investigations in order to initiate adequate management: rehydration as well as salt and fludrocortisone supplementation. Genetic analysis of the CYP11B2 gene will confirm ASD in most cases. We report the case of a newborn with a typical clinical presentation associated with some uncommon phenotypic features (hyperhidrosis, liver injury). Furthermore, our patient carries a new CYP11B2 splicing variant to be added to the approximately 60 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants already reported.

Novel sonic hedgehog gene variant in a patient with hyponatremia, microsomia, and midline defects; phenotype description in association with a variant of unknown significance [c.755_757del p.(Phe252del)] and an approach to salt-wasting in SHH-related adrenal disorders

To contribute a novel sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene variant in association with a novel-meagerly described phenotype and discuss SHH signaling pathway pathology. We present a 5-year-old boy with excessive hyponatremia and natriuresis, microform holoprosencephaly and microsomia, with morphologically intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and hypoaldosteronism, yet without hyperreninemia, hyperkalemia, dehydration episodes, or glucocorticoid insufficiency. Extensive workup excluded common causes of salt-wasting and revealed a novel variant of unknown significance on the sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene; NM_000193.4:c.755_757del (p.Phe252del), in heterozygosity. Salt-wasting in children is predominantly caused by central nervous system lesions, renal tubular dysfunction, or adrenal insufficiency. The SHH protein is a signaling molecule, essential in embryogenesis-including HPA axis differentiation. Inactivating SHH variants disrupt the signaling pathway, leading to dysplasia or dysfunction of target organs. What's new: • We analyze the patient's phenotype in the light of this novel variant • Patient's isolated aldosterone deficiency possibly implies a selective signaling defect affecting the development of adrenal zona glomerulosa • Unexplained hyporeninemia and hypokalemia in the context of hypoaldosteronism raise questions on SHH signaling pathophysiology.

Isolated Aldosterone Deficiency Due to an Aldosterone Synthase Mutation: A Rare Cause of Life-Threatening Salt Wasting in Infancy

Purpose: Isolated hypoaldosteronism is a rare cause of salt wasting in infancy caused by the loss of activity of aldosterone synthase (AS), which is encoded by the CYP11B2 gene. This condition may be life-threatening, especially in newborns. Methods: We are reporting the case of a newborn male born to consanguineous parents, who presented at the age of 1 month with severe dehydration, vomiting, and hypotonia. Results: Lab studies showed severe hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Hormonal assessment confirmed a normal corticotrope axis with severe deficiency in aldosterone. Genetic analysis revealed a novel mutation in the CYP11B2 gene in the highly conserved donor splice site of exon 3 and confirmed the isolated aldosterone deficiency. The patient was subsequently treated with fludrocortisone and sodium only, without hydrocortisone. Conclusion: AS deficiency is a rare inherited disease. There should be a high index of suspicion of cases with life-threatening salt-wasting in infancy as dramatic clinical improvements and good long-term prognosis can be achieved with timely replacement treatment.

MON-LB038 Isolated Hypoaldosteronism Due to Autoimmune Adrenalitis in a Patient With Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome

BACKGROUNDAt the initial presentation of autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, most patients present with hormonal deficiencies from all three layers of adrenal cortex. However, isolated aldosterone deficiency causing a true partial adrenal insufficiency in the setting of autoimmune adrenalitis remains underrecognized.CASE REPORTA 67-year old female patient with a known history of diabetes mellitus type 1 since the age of 13 and morphea, presented with progressively worsening symptoms of confusion and hallucinations, fatigue, and loss of appetite over the past 5 years. During this time, she has had frequent and recurrent episodes of mild intermittent hyponatremia with hyperkalemia requiring intravenous fluids and ingested salt tablets, especially when she felt more symptomatic. On her initial evaluation here, she presented with hyponatremia (125 mmol/l, n: 135-145 mmol/l), low osmolality (264 mOsm/kg, n: 275-295 mOsm/kg), and normal potassium level (3.6 mmol/l, n: 3.6-5.2 mmol/l). Further investigations drawn at the same time revealed a low aldosterone (<4 ng/dL), normal renin (5.3 ng/mL/hr, ref 2.9-10.8), normal serum cortisol level (and normal response to Cortrosyn stimulation), though all in the setting of positive antibodies against 21-hydroxylase. Pan-imaging revealed no evidence of malignancy that can be causing ectopic SIADH production. Additional testing showed presence of auto antibodies contributing to pernicious anemia and thyroid disease. Treatment was started with fludrocortisone 0.1 mg tablet daily and she was advised to take the salt tablets only if she has any symptoms. The patient’s symptoms have resolved 8 months since this diagnosis, with normalized sodium and potassium levels.CONCLUSIONAutoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency usually affects all three layers of the adrenal cortex, where patients present with deficiencies in cortisol and aldosterone. Isolated hypoaldosteronism has rarely been reported, however because it can cause life-threatening hyponatremia, it is an important entity to recognize. It is important to work up in such patients as they may be in the initial stages of autoimmune Addison’s disease and can progress to developing cortisol deficiency, though the time course to this progression is not well known.

Isolated aldosterone deficiency in two infants: Mistakes and dilemmas in the diagnosis and treatment of a rare disease

In this article, we describe the clinical picture and follow-up of two children diagnosed as suffering from pseudohypoaldosteronism when they were infants, and it was later recognized as isolated aldosterone deficiency in both. We illustrate the clinical differences between the two patients in terms of hydroelectrolytic balance, laboratory data and growth. In fact, while the growth and hematological parameters of the electrolytes and acid-base balance were normal in the first patient, and also without treatment with fludrocortisone thanks to very high renin activity, in the second patient, this treatment was vitally necessary to maintain normal growth and biochemical data. Despite the absence of a molecular analysis which could have confirmed this diagnosis, we believe that the description of the clinical evolution of these two cases from the moment of the incorrect diagnosis until the correct diagnosis and action taken, could be useful to highlight the extreme clinical variability of this rare disease.

Molecular genetic verification of isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency due to aldosterone synthase deficiency

Isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by salt wasting and that has the severest manifestations in infants. This paper is the first in the Russian literature to describe cases of isolated aldosterone deficiency. In both cases, the patients were monitored and treated for misdiagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia; however, the permanently low level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone could put in doubt the diagnosis and suspect isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency, by keeping in mind a history of salt wasting. By using the presented cases as an example, the authors give an algorithm for the examination and differential diagnosis of this condition and other diseases that have the similar clinical picture. Aldosterone synthase deficiency in patients was verified by molecular genetic studies - there were mutations in the CYP112 gene.

X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia: new mutations and long-term follow-up in three patients.

Mutations of the DAX-1 gene, which encodes a newly discovered member of the nuclear hormone receptor family, were reported to cause X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. While genetic data on DAX-1 are accumulating, information on the clinical course of the disorder are scarce. Here we present a detailed documentation of longitudinal data relating to three cases. We retrospectively collected clinical data on three boys (6, 14 and 14.5 years old) who we examined over a period ranging between 5 and 14 years. Mutational analysis of the DAX-1 gene was performed by means of direct sequencing of PCR products. The patients presented at ages between 4 and 6 weeks with salt-wasting, but there was no evidence of hypoglycaemia. All three cases were initially erroneously diagnosed with isolated aldosterone deficiency. Glucocorticoid deficiency was established by means of ACTH stimulation tests at 4 months, 3 and 13 years of age. One boy, whose therapy was discontinued at the age of 4 months, developed normally until adrenal crisis occurred at the age of 13 years. In all three cases, congenital hypogonadism was ruled out during infancy, as penis size was normal, the testes were descended, and serum samples contained normal testosterone levels. One boy exhibited transient hypergonadotrophism at age 9 but showed no clinical signs of puberty or an increase in serum testosterone. Onset of puberty and LHRH tests proved to be normal in his case as well as in another patient studied. In two patients, genetic analysis revealed new mutations at the C-terminus of DAX-1, these being a 1-base deletion (656delG) inherited from the mother and a de-novo 2-base insertion (728insCA) of the DAX-1 gene, respectively, both causing frame shift and premature stops at codons 263 and 398. One boy was affected by a new nonsense mutation of codon 39 (W39X) inherited from his mother. Mineralocorticoid deficiency preceded glucocorticoid deficiency which could be diagnosed through ACTH stimulation after the neonatal period. Transitory functional recovery of the adrenal glands can occur in adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC). Transient hypergonadotrophism may be one of the first indicators of defects in the gonadal axis, although normal initiation of puberty is not rare. The definitive diagnosis was established by means of molecular analysis of the DAX-1 gene. There was no correlation between types of mutations and phenotypes. The diagnostic procedure in male children and adolescents presenting with adrenal crisis should include ACTH stimulation tests and mutational analysis of DAX-1 in the absence of another proven aetiology.

Hyper- and Hypoaldosteronism

Aldosterone participates in blood volume and serum potassium homeostasis, which in turn regulate aldosterone secretion by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Autonomous aldosterone hypersecretion leads to hypertension and hypokalemia. Improved screening techniques have led to a re-evaluation of the frequency of primary aldosteronism among adults with hypertension, recognizing that normokalemic cases are more frequent than was previously appreciated. The genetic basis of glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism has been elucidated and adequately explains most of the pathophysiologic features of this disorder. A new form of familial aldosteronism has been described, familial hyperaldosteronism type II; linkage analysis and direct mutation screening has shown that this disorder is unrelated to mutations in the genes for aldosterone synthase or the angiotensin II receptor. The features of aldosterone hypersecretion may be due to non-aldosterone-mediated mineralocorticoid excess. These include two causes of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency and 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency), the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) due to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) deficiency, primary glucocorticoid resistance, Liddle's syndrome due to activating mutations of the renal epithelial sodium channel, and exogenous sources of mineralocorticoid, such as licorice, or drugs, such as carbenoxolone. The features of mineralocorticoid excess are also often seen in Cushing's syndrome. Hypoaldosteronism may lead to hypotension and hyperkalemia. Hypoaldosteronism may be due to inadequate stimulation of aldosterone secretion (hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism), defects in adrenal synthesis of aldosterone, or resistance to the ion transport effects of aldosterone, such as are seen in pseudohypoaldosteronism type I (PHA I). PHA I is frequently due to mutations involving the amiloride sensitive epithelial sodium channel. Gordon's syndrome (PHA type II) is due to resistance to the kaliuretic but not sodium reabsorptive effects of aldosterone for which the genetic basis is still unknown. This review aims to provide a survey of the clinical disorders of aldosterone excess and deficiency and their clinical management, with a focus on primary aldosteronism and isolated aldosterone deficiency.

Isolated Aldosterone Deficiency Progressing to Addison's Disease in a 4-Year-Old Girl

Isolated Aldosterone Deficiency Progressing to Addison's Disease in a 4-Year-Old Girl

Isolated aldosterone deficiency in a patient with autoimmune adrenalitis

Isolated aldosterone deficiency in a patient with autoimmune adrenalitis

Detection of isolated aldosterone deficiency in the neonate

Detection of isolated aldosterone deficiency in the neonate

Isolated aldosterone deficiency in man: acquired and inborn errors in the biosynthesis or action of aldosterone.

The combined efforts of clinical investigation and biochemical research have provided substantive insights into the homeostatic mechanisms that maintain concentrations of monovalent cations within a narrow physiological range in body fluids. For example, more precise knowledge of biochemical pathways subserving mineralocorticoid production in man has derived from recent detailed studies of certain “experiments in nature,” which comprise discrete inborn errors in aldosterone biosynthesis. Such conditions are biochemically and genetically distinct from congenital end-organ resistance to mineralocorticoid action (so-called pseudohypoaldosteronism). In addition, more comprehensive characterization has been attained of acquired, isolated defects in mineralocorticoid production in association with various clinical disorders. However, under any of these pathological conditions, defective hormonal regulation of sodium and potassium balance has created a spectrum of clinical disorders, ranging from life-threatenin...

Paradoxical glucose-induced hyperkalemia: Combined aldosterone-insulin deficiency

Severe hyperkalemia associated with spontaneous hyperglycemia as well as with the intravenous infusions of glucose occurred in an insulin-requiring diabetic patient in the absence of potassium administration, the use of diuretics which inhibit urinary potassium excretion or acidemia. Metabolic balance studies revealed, in addition to diabetes, the presence of isolated aldosterone deficiency of the hyporeninemic type. Intravenous glucose infusions (0.5 g/kg body weight) produced significant hyperkalemia but desoxycortisone acetate (DOCA) therapy (10 mg/day) prevented the glucose-induced hyperkalemia. In this patient, the serum potassium concentration increases after the intravenous infusions of glucose because there is insufficient aldosterone and insulin to reverse the transfer of potassium to the extracellular fluid which normally occurs after hypertonic infusions of glucose. Although DOCA replacement modifies the distribution of potassium in the extracellular fluid and blunts the hyperkalemic effect of intravenous infusions of glucose, a rise in the insulin level is required for the usual hypokalemic response to intravenously administered glucose. These studies illustrate the risk of raising blood glucose levels in patients with combined aldosterone and insulin deficiency and the tendency towards hyperkalemia in diabetic patients under certain clinical conditions.

Hyperkalemia and renin deficiency.

Hyperkalemia can be caused by a deficiency of the salt-retaining hormone, aldosterone. As most readily seen in patients with adrenal insufficiency, the lack of salt-retaining hormone leads to decreased renal tubular reabsorption of sodium. Since potassium is excreted in exchange for sodium reabsorbed, potassium excretion is decreased, resulting in hyperkalemia. The deficiency of aldosterone may be selective. The first report of a patient with isolated aldosterone deficiency clearly defined the typical features of the syndrome: elderly patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency in whom severe hyperkalemia develops, particularly when they are deprived or depleted of sodium, the hyperkalemia manifested . . .

Isolated analdosteronism: II. The nature of the adrenal cortical enzymatic defect, and the influence of diet and various agents on electrolyte balance

The effects of changes in the dietary content of sodium and potassium in a patient with isolated aldosterone deficiency are described. Poor renal sodium conservation on a low salt intake is demonstrated, as well as an inability to correct the persistent elevation in serum potassium by dietary potassium restriction. Markedly negative sodium and chloride balance occurred with dietary salt restriction, and was associated with hyponatremia and a further increase in serum potassium, as well as more frequent paralytic episodes. Correction of the biochemical and clinical abnormalities was achieved by the administration of ACTH, desoxycorticosterone, 9α-fluorohydrocortisone, and d-aldosterone. Administration of the salt-retaining steroids, however, resulted in sustained systemic arterial hypertension. Chlorothiazide, while able to lower the serum potassium concentration, also enhanced the excretion of sodium and chloride. Paper chromatographic separation of the individual urinary hydroxycorticoids disclosed an excess of tetrahydrocorticosterone, which increased after the administration of ACTH, while aldosterone remained absent in the urine. This strongly suggests the presence of a defect in the 18-aldolase enzyme system. A slight elevation in tetrahydro-S excretion raises the possibility of an associated mild defect in the 11β-hydroxylating system, although confirmatory evidence is lacking, since hydrocortisone metabolites in the urine were present in normal amounts and desoxycorticosterone metabolites were absent. The appearance of aldosterone in two consecutive 24-hour urine specimens toward the end of the study period could not be clearly related to the administration of any exogenous compound, and apparently represented at least a temporary restoration of 18-aldolase activity to normal or, perhaps, the activation of a different biosynthetic pathway for aldosterone formation.