Current diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism is more common than previously recognized but much less common than most experts in this arena have recently stated. The recognition of autonomous hyperaldosteronism is not difficult but the identification of the source of excess aldosterone requires a costly and difficult procedure. Most patients with hyperaldosteronism turn out to have bilateral adrenal hyperplasia for which medical therapy with an aldosterone blocker is indicated. Many of these patients are not hypokalemic and can safely be treated without the need for a costly and usually negative work-up.