Syndrome of Mineralocorticoid Excess Due to Bilateral Adrenocortical Hyperplasia

Abstract

THE syndrome of hypertension, mild edema, hypernatremia and hypokalemic alkalosis associated with an adrenocortical adenoma secreting excessive amounts of aldosterone was first described by Conn1 in 1955. No signs of Cushing's syndrome were evident, and the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids was normal. When the primary tumor was removed, a prompt remission of all signs and symptoms and apparent cure followed.Since 1955 at least 20 additional cases of adenoma of the adrenal cortex with predominantly mineralocorticoid effects have been described,2 with successful remissions that followed surgical removal of the tumor. One case of the syndrome occurring as a result . . .