What is an aldosterone-producing adenoma?
Description. An aldosterone-producing adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops in an adrenal gland, which is a small hormone-producing gland located on top of each kidney. In most cases, individuals develop a single tumor in one of the adrenal glands.
What is Conn’s adenoma?
What is Conn’s Syndrome of the Adrenal Gland? A typical aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or an “ALDO”, causing Conn’s Syndrome. Conn’s Syndrome is a disease caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland that is producing too much of the hormone aldosterone, and is often called “primary hyperaldosteronism”.
Where is aldosterone produced?
the adrenal cortex
Aldosterone, the primary mineralocorticoid, is synthesized in the outer zone of the adrenal cortex called the zona glomerulosa (ZG). The production of aldosterone is tightly regulated by angiotensin II (Ang II) and circulating potassium levels.
What is hyperaldosteronism Syndrome?
Hyperaldosteronism is a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood. Hyperaldosteronism can be primary or secondary.
How is aldosterone produced?
Aldosterone is synthesized in the body from corticosterone, a steroid derived from cholesterol. Production of aldosterone (in adult humans, about 20–200 micrograms per day) in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is regulated by the renin-angiotensin system.
What triggers aldosterone production?
Aldosterone secretion is stimulated by an actual or apparent depletion in blood volume detected by stretch receptors and by an increase in serum potassium ion concentrations; it is suppressed by hypervolemia and hypokalemia.
Does aldosterone cause weight gain?
The excess aldosterone produced by the adrenal tumor causes salt retention by the kidney, which in turn causes water retention, as the available body water attempts to dilute the salt at a cellular level. The increased salt and water retention causes weight gain and high blood pressure.
What is the treatment for high aldosterone?
Medication. Your doctor might prescribe a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, such as spironolactone. This type of medication blocks the effects of aldosterone on your body, such as high blood pressure and low blood potassium. You may still need to take additional medications to help manage your blood pressure.
What happens when too much aldosterone is produced?
Too much aldosterone is called hyperaldosteronism. This extra aldosterone causes high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Sometimes it can look like moderate to severe high blood pressure and go undiagnosed for a long time.