Aldosteronism associated with adrenal cortical adenoma.

An electrolyte-regulating corticoid has been identified and given the name aldosterone. This hormone may be produced in amounts above normal in adrenal cortical tumors in hyperplastic adrenal glands and in normal appearing adrenal glands. Overproduction of aldosterone is accompanied by certain characteristic clinical manifestations which should suggest the diagnosis. The diagnosis may be supported by examinations available in most well equipped clinical laboratories. Bioassay of aldosterone in the urine and estimation of exchangeable body sodium and potassium, using radioactive salts, are necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis.Since the description of this salt-retaining hormone by Simpson and Tait and the discovery of its chemical structure by Reichstein in 1954, reports of 14 cases have been published. Surgical removal of the offending tissue gives spectacular relief from the very distressing symptoms.