HomeGeneticsConditionAldosterone-producing adenoma
Back to Condition
Aldosterone-producing adenoma
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma

An aldosterone-producing adenoma is a noncancerous tumor of the adrenal gland that triggers the overproduction of aldosterone, resulting in severe high blood pressure and elevated cardiovascular risks.

Overview

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.

The adrenal tumor produces too much of the hormone aldosterone, a condition known as primary hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone helps regulate the body's fluid levels and blood pressure by controlling the amount of salt retained by the kidneys. Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain more salt than normal, which increases the body's fluid levels and blood pressure. People with an aldosterone-producing adenoma may develop severe high blood pressure (hypertension) and have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or an irregular heartbeat.

Frequency

Aldosterone-producing adenomas cause up to 60 percent of cases of primary hyperaldosteronism. It is estimated that primary hyperaldosteronism accounts for 5 to 15 percent of cases of hypertension, which affects approximately 3 in 10 adults worldwide. However, the exact prevalence of aldosterone-producing adenomas is unknown.

Causes & Genetics

Aldosterone-producing adenomas are caused by mutations in one of several genes. The most commonly mutated genes include:

  • KCNJ5: Accountable for an estimated 40 percent of these tumors.
  • CACNA1D: Mutated in about 9 percent of cases.
  • ATP1A1: Mutated in about 6 percent of cases.
  • Other genes, such as ATP2B3 and CTNNB1, are mutated in a small percentage of cases.

Only about 60 percent of affected individuals have an identified mutation in one of these genes; additional unidentified genes are also thought to be involved in the condition.

How Gene Mutations Affect Aldosterone Production

The genes known to be involved in aldosterone-producing adenomas play roles in balancing the amounts of positively charged atoms (ions) of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) in cells. The proteins produced from these genes transport these ions across cell membranes, creating an electrical charge that affects biochemical processes. In adrenal gland cells, this flow of ions helps control the production of aldosterone.

Mutations in the KCNJ5, CACNA1D, or ATP1A1 genes lead to abnormal electrical charges across cell membranes. These abnormalities overactivate a biochemical process that increases adrenal cell growth and division (proliferation), promoting adenoma formation. This overactivation also increases aldosterone production, resulting in hyperaldosteronism and leading to hypertension.

Inheritance

Aldosterone-producing adenomas are generally not inherited. Instead, they arise from a mutation in the body's cells that occurs after conception. Specifically, the alteration occurs in the adrenal gland cells that give rise to the tumor. These are known as somatic mutations.

Other Names

  • Aldosterone-secreting adenoma
  • Aldosteronoma
  • Conn adenoma
  • Primary aldosteronism due to Conn adenoma

Frequently Asked Questions

If an aldosterone-producing adenoma is left untreated, the persistent high levels of aldosterone and severe high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. These include heart attack, stroke, irregular heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation), heart failure, and kidney damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigate these long-term risks.
While severe high blood pressure is the hallmark symptom, excess aldosterone can also lead to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). This can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, increased urination, and sometimes heart palpitations. These symptoms, especially when combined with high blood pressure that is difficult to control, should prompt further investigation for an aldosterone-producing adenoma.
Diagnosis usually begins with blood tests to measure aldosterone and renin levels. A high aldosterone-to-renin ratio suggests primary hyperaldosteronism. If these tests are abnormal, further confirmation involves a salt loading test. Once primary hyperaldosteronism is confirmed, imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI of the adrenal glands are performed to locate an adenoma. In some cases, adrenal vein sampling may be necessary to determine which adrenal gland is overproducing aldosterone.
The primary treatment for an aldosterone-producing adenoma is surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland, a procedure called adrenalectomy. This often cures the high blood pressure or significantly improves it, reducing the need for multiple medications. For individuals who are not candidates for surgery or prefer not to have it, medication with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, such as spironolactone or eplerenone, can block the effects of aldosterone and help control blood pressure.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss