Primary aldosteronism, though an uncommon cause of hypertension, causes significant morbidity, making it important to diagnose and treat this condition. Its evaluation requires complex and time-consuming investigative procedures in order to confirm the diagnosis and to differentiate between the subtypes of aldosterone-producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. Often, the values of renin and aldosterone are equivocal, and the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism is in doubt.
In this study, we examined the use of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio in confirming the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism when the usual criteria of suppressed renin and elevated aldosterone are not met. We found that an aldosterone-to-renin ratio of ≥50 has a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 92% for detecting primary aldosteronism. In addition, an aldosterone-to-renin ratio of >2000 is suggestive of an aldosterone-producing adenoma.
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The author(s) declare there are no affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
