Aetiology

The aetiology of most forms of primary aldosteronism (PA) is unknown. In all forms of PA, aldosterone production is excessive to the body's requirements and relatively autonomous with regard to its normal chronic regulator, the renin-angiotensin II system.

Conn's syndrome may be caused by:

• adrenal adenoma:
  • more common in females
  • 80% of cases
    
• bilateral adrenal nodular hyperplasia:
  • more common in males
  • most of the remainder
    
• adrenal carcinoma:
  • rare

Reference

1. Reincke M, Bancos I, Mulatero P, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2021 Dec;9(12):876-92.