Aldosterone is typically elevated in which condition?

Aldosterone is typically elevated in which condition?

• A. Addison disease
• B. Adrenal adenoma
• C. Pheochromocytoma
• D. Cushing syndrome

Answer: (B)

Aldosterone is elevated when the adrenal cortex autonomously secretes it, as in an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma causing primary hyperaldosteronism. This condition drives excess mineralocorticoid activity, increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the distal nephron, which leads to hypertension and hypokalemia with a metabolic alkalosis. Because the aldosterone increase is autonomous, the renin-angiotensin system is suppressed, so plasma renin activity is low. Addison disease causes low aldosterone due to adrenal failure; pheochromocytoma raises catecholamines, not aldosterone; Cushing syndrome involves excess cortisol. Thus an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma best explains elevated aldosterone levels.

Aldosterone is elevated when the adrenal cortex autonomously secretes it, as in an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma causing primary hyperaldosteronism. This condition drives excess mineralocorticoid activity, increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the distal nephron, which leads to hypertension and hypokalemia with a metabolic alkalosis. Because the aldosterone increase is autonomous, the renin-angiotensin system is suppressed, so plasma renin activity is low. Addison disease causes low aldosterone due to adrenal failure; pheochromocytoma raises catecholamines, not aldosterone; Cushing syndrome involves excess cortisol. Thus an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma best explains elevated aldosterone levels.