Which treatment modality would the health care provider prescribe for a patient with hyperaldosteronism?

Which treatment modality would the health care provider prescribe for a patient with hyperaldosteronism?

• A. Adrenalectomy
• B. Chemotherapy
• C. Insulin
• D. Radiation therapy

Answer: (A)

When hyperaldosteronism is due to an aldosterone-secreting tumor in one adrenal gland, removing the tumor-bearing gland is the definitive treatment. Adrenalectomy eliminates the source of excess aldosterone, which stops the inappropriate sodium retention and potassium loss that drive hypertension and hypokalemia, often correcting metabolic alkalosis as well. If the condition is instead due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, surgery isn’t the answer and medical therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (like spironolactone or eplerenone) is used. The other options listed are not appropriate for this condition: chemotherapy or radiation therapy target cancer, and insulin helps with glucose control rather than addressing excess aldosterone.

When hyperaldosteronism is due to an aldosterone-secreting tumor in one adrenal gland, removing the tumor-bearing gland is the definitive treatment. Adrenalectomy eliminates the source of excess aldosterone, which stops the inappropriate sodium retention and potassium loss that drive hypertension and hypokalemia, often correcting metabolic alkalosis as well. If the condition is instead due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, surgery isn’t the answer and medical therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (like spironolactone or eplerenone) is used. The other options listed are not appropriate for this condition: chemotherapy or radiation therapy target cancer, and insulin helps with glucose control rather than addressing excess aldosterone.