Primary aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism remains a diagnostic challenge. Despite the availability of sensitive and specific immunoassay techniques, the simplification of diagnostic testing, and the introduction of sensitive imaging techniques, there remain uncertainties about the optimal methods of screening, the sensitivity and specificity of various tests, diagnostic criteria, and differentiation among the growing number of etiologic subgroups of the disorder. The author stresses the differentiation of the surgically correctable lesion (adenoma) from the other etiologic subgroups.