Primary aldosteronism (PA), a condition that was first described more than seven-decade ago by Jerome W. Conn, is now recognized as a deadly disease. PA has a strong correlation with cardiovascular and renal diseases making it an independent cardiovascular risk factor. However, albeit a significant time-lapse, PA remains an underrated cause of hypertension culminating in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The diagnostic perusal for PA is not a simplistic endeavor. New evolving concepts have transpired in the various clinical aspects of this complex and dynamic disease entity including the screening, diagnostic work-up, and management. New associations between PA and other clinical disease entities are also emerging.
In parallel, there are several unexplored grounds in PA. Diagnosing PA in patients who have already developed target organ damage such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) poses significant challenges. These late presentations are commonly seen in developing countries, as PA tends to be underdiagnosed in these populations. Up-to-date, there are no epidemiological studies assessing the prevalence of PA in CKD or HF populations, hence, the optimal strategy for diagnosis and management of such patients is unknown. Although the diagnostic work-up implemented is similar to the non-CKD or HF population there are challenges to the interpretation of these tests. Ultimately, novel strategies are needed and studies on the potential use of hybrid steroids or the use of novel radiopharmaceutical agents are broadening the options for PA detection.
The expanding spectrum in the field of PA is rapidly advancing our understanding of the disease and unceasingly shaping our diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Exploring these new grounds will ultimately translate into more meaningful clinical outcomes by enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized medicine that has the potential to tailor therapy for better patient care.
The current diagnostic work-up of PA is still tedious and a more robust method is urgently needed in order to diagnose the condition in a timely manner. Failure to detect and treat PA early has profound health consequences, in particular, its cardiovascular and renal sequelae. The goals of treatment should extend beyond blood pressure control and encompass strategies to armor cardiovascular and renal morbidity. Recent advances in PA enhance our understanding of this clinical entity transforming the current diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
· Epidemiology or prevalence of primary aldosteronism
· Diagnostic advancement or challenges in primary aldosteronism
· Basic science and molecular analysis on various subtypes of primary aldosteronism
· Future imaging modalities
· New therapeutic targets in primary aldosteronism
· Challenging clinical cases in primary aldosteronism
· Genetic basis of primary hyperaldosteronism
· Bone consequences of primary hyperaldosteronism
Primary aldosteronism (PA), a condition that was first described more than seven-decade ago by Jerome W. Conn, is now recognized as a deadly disease. PA has a strong correlation with cardiovascular and renal diseases making it an independent cardiovascular risk factor. However, albeit a significant time-lapse, PA remains an underrated cause of hypertension culminating in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The diagnostic perusal for PA is not a simplistic endeavor. New evolving concepts have transpired in the various clinical aspects of this complex and dynamic disease entity including the screening, diagnostic work-up, and management. New associations between PA and other clinical disease entities are also emerging.
In parallel, there are several unexplored grounds in PA. Diagnosing PA in patients who have already developed target organ damage such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) poses significant challenges. These late presentations are commonly seen in developing countries, as PA tends to be underdiagnosed in these populations. Up-to-date, there are no epidemiological studies assessing the prevalence of PA in CKD or HF populations, hence, the optimal strategy for diagnosis and management of such patients is unknown. Although the diagnostic work-up implemented is similar to the non-CKD or HF population there are challenges to the interpretation of these tests. Ultimately, novel strategies are needed and studies on the potential use of hybrid steroids or the use of novel radiopharmaceutical agents are broadening the options for PA detection.
The expanding spectrum in the field of PA is rapidly advancing our understanding of the disease and unceasingly shaping our diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Exploring these new grounds will ultimately translate into more meaningful clinical outcomes by enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized medicine that has the potential to tailor therapy for better patient care.
The current diagnostic work-up of PA is still tedious and a more robust method is urgently needed in order to diagnose the condition in a timely manner. Failure to detect and treat PA early has profound health consequences, in particular, its cardiovascular and renal sequelae. The goals of treatment should extend beyond blood pressure control and encompass strategies to armor cardiovascular and renal morbidity. Recent advances in PA enhance our understanding of this clinical entity transforming the current diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
· Epidemiology or prevalence of primary aldosteronism
· Diagnostic advancement or challenges in primary aldosteronism
· Basic science and molecular analysis on various subtypes of primary aldosteronism
· Future imaging modalities
· New therapeutic targets in primary aldosteronism
· Challenging clinical cases in primary aldosteronism
· Genetic basis of primary hyperaldosteronism
· Bone consequences of primary hyperaldosteronism