The aldosteronoma resolution score: predicting complete resolution of hypertension after adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a prediction model using information readily available, at clinical presentation, which could determine whether patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas would have complete resolution of hypertension after adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism is the most common curable cause of secondary hypertension. However, a large number of patients continue to require antihypertensive medications to control their blood pressure. Differentiating patients that will have complete resolution of hypertension without the need for antihypertensive medications from patients that will require continued use of antihypertensive medications is difficult before adrenalectomy.

METHODS

The predictive logistic regression model was derived using data on 100 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism at one tertiary medical center and was externally validated using an independent series of 67 patients from another center.

RESULTS

Clinical features were similar for patients in the derivation and validation groups. Four readily available predictors (2 or fewer antihypertensive medications, body mass index < or =25 kg/m, duration of hypertension < or =6 years, and female sex) yielded the best predictive model for complete resolution of hypertension after adrenalectomy. Based on the resulting 4-item aldosteronoma resolution score (ARS), 3 likelihood levels for complete resolution were identified: low (0-1), medium (2-3), and high (4-5) with a predictive accuracy of 27%, 46%, and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The ARS accurately identifies individuals at low (ARS < or =1) or high (ARS > or =4) likelihood of complete resolution of hypertension without further need of lifelong antihypertensive medications after adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma. This scoring system can help clinicians objectively inform patients of likely clinical outcomes before surgical intervention.