Hyperaldosteronism classification
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Hyperaldosteronism Main page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
There are two forms of hyperalsosteronism: primary and secondary. Persons with primary hyperaldosteronism have a problem with the adrenal gland that causes it to release too much aldosterone. In secondary hyperaldosteronism, the excess aldosterone is caused by something outside the adrenal gland that mimics the primary condition. Primary hyperaldosteronism used to be considered a rare condition, but some experts believe that it may be the cause of hypertension in some patients. Most cases of primary hyperaldosteronism are caused by a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the adrenal gland. Secondary hyperaldosteronism is generally related to hypertension. It is also related to disorders such as cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure and nephrotic syndrome.
Classification
- E26.0: Primary hyperaldosteronism, often caused by an adrenal cortical adenoma (a tumor), is also known as Conn's syndrome.
- E26.1: Secondary hyperaldosteronism is due to overactivity of the renin-angiotensin system.
In endocrinology, the terms primary and secondary are used to describe the abnormality (e.g. elevated aldosterone) in relation to the defect, i.e. the tumor's location. The adjective primary refers to an abnormality that directly leads to pathology, i.e. aldosteronism is caused by the apparatus that generates aldosterone. Secondary refers to an abnormality that indirectly results in pathology through a predictable physiologic pathway, i.e. a renin producing tumor leads to increased aldosterone, as the body's aldosterone production is normally regulated by renin levels.