Conn's Disease
Hyperaldosteronism or Conn's Disease
Conn's disease (or Conn's syndrome) is associated with increased
secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Conn's
occurs when there is a unilateral adenoma (benign tumor) of the adrenal
gland, causing a condition known as hyperaldosteronism. When both
adrenal glands are making too much aldosterone, the condition is called
bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
Most cases of Conn's occur in people between 30 and 50 years of age
who have a benign tumor.
Symptoms
The condition occurs in about nine percent of all hypertensive patients,
and symptoms primarily consist of high blood pressure. Other symptoms
can include hypokalemia (low blood potassium level), headache and
muscle weakness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Conn's generally consists of scans to determine whether
the patient has a single adenoma or hyperplasia of both adrenal glands.
Blood tests may also be taken to determine whether the adrenal glands
are secreting too much aldosterone.
Treatment
Treatment for patients with adenoma generally consists of surgical
removal, which can be performed via a minimally-invasive procedure
called laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Patients with hyperplasia may be
treated with drugs that block the effect of aldosterone.
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