[Diagnosis of subtypes and lateralization for primary hyperaldosteronism].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of CT and posture stimulation test (PST) in the differential diagnosis and lateralization of primary hyperaldosteronism(PA).

METHOD: Retrospective study was done based on the clinical data and pathological examinations of 22 patients with PA.

RESULTS

The baseline plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) of most aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) was over 250 pg.ml-1. In the diagnosis of APA, the sensitivity of CT was 75% and the specificity of CT was 100%; the sensitivity and specificity of PST were 87% and 100%, respectively. The examination results of CT and PST had no statistical significant correlativity (P > 0.05) and had bad consistency (P > 0.05), and the diagnostic efficiency of them had no significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline PAC and the result of PST suggest as the best diagnostic index and methods of APA. Both CT and PST have high value in the differential diagnosis. Both CT and PST cannot be substituted for each other.