Case studies in endocrine hypertension.
The diagnosis of various types of endocrine hypertension is discussed by way of illustrative cases. The emphasis of the article is on practical management. In particular, the clues that suggest a secondary form of hypertension are described along with the appropriate screening tests. The use of the aldosterone/renin ratio in diagnosis of primary aldosteronism represents a new concept which should increase the frequency of diagnosis of this condition. In addition, the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is discussed by way of three cases where the diagnosis was made by appropriate follow-up of adrenal masses ('incidentalomas'), incidentally discovered on abdominal imaging. The diagnosis of endocrine hypertension remains, for the most part, a combination of good clinical judgement and a few well chosen laboratory tests.
Tallis
G
G
Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
Judd
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents