[Mineralocorticoid syndromes and hypertension].

Mineralocorticoids are out of the causes of secondary hypertension. Excess production of mineralocorticoids induces sodium and fluid retention, loss of potassium and metabolic alcalosis. The diagnosis of mineralocorticoid syndromes depends on the interpretation of the functional status of the renin-mineralocorticoid-system, which is in part responsible for the maintenance of normal blood pressure. The classical representative of this group is the syndrome of primary aldosteronism. Causes of mineralocorticoid syndromes associated with hypertension are: 1. autonomous production of mineralo-corticoids by an adrenal adenoma or by idiopathic bilateral adrenal hyperplasia; 2. deficiency of adrenal 17-alpha-hydroxylase or of 11-beta-hydroxylase; 3. secondary aldosteronism associated with primary reninism, or renal arterial stenosis; and 4. pseudo aldosteronism due to excessive ingestion of licorice. Malign or essential hypertension may also often be followed by secondary aldosteronism.