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darwinwoodka t1_j4x7db0 wrote

Reply to comment by braindrain_94 in New CT scan helps detect curable form of high blood pressure by giuliomagnifico

But that won't tell you if it's only one adrenal gland causing trouble... or which one it is...

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braindrain_94 t1_j4xlivr wrote

No but it’s the first step. And it’s important because you need to make sure there’s actually increased aldosterone causing the hypertension because increased renin will do that as well (e.g. from renal artery stenosis). There’s several causes of secondary hypertension- it doesn’t always localize to the adrenal gland.

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CocktailChemist t1_j4yec2w wrote

To build on what’s already been said, there is a test for unilateral vs bilateral hyperaldosteronism - adrenal venous sampling. But it is critical to get a specialist with a lot of experience because it’s a technically challenging procedure.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/endocrinology/news/primary-aldosteronism-the-role-of-adrenal-venous-sampling/mac-20430855

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PeriodicAdamSchiff t1_j4z4hbo wrote

Exactly. Adrenal venous sampling is problematic and imperfect, to put it nicely. This seems like a much better method for the patients with hyperaldosteronism without an obvious nodule as the source. This is still a pretty small percentage of people with hypertension.

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