Primary aldosteronism prevalence enhanced by strict adherence to 2016 Endocrine Society guidelines: insights from an endocrine hypertension unit.

Introduction: Primary aldosteronism is the most frequent cause of hypertension although is undetected. The 2016 Endocrine Society guidelines (2016-ESG) recommendations for primary aldosteronism detection are unfulfilled. We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of primary aldosteronism, following the screening criteria endorsed by the 2016-ESG.

Methods: All adult patients tested for primary aldosteronism at an endocrine hypertension unit of a tertiary hospital during 2021-2023 were studied. Primary aldosteronism investigation was performed when at least one reason for its screening based on 2016-ESG was detected. When screening was positive, confirmatory tests were executed. Rates and diagnostic accuracy of the reasons for primary aldosteronism screening were analyzed.

Results: Two hundred and sixty-five patients were included. Mean age was 55 ± 14 years, 124 of 265 (46.8%) were women, 24.6% had hypokalemia, and 16% adrenal incidentaloma(s) as indication for screening. Primary aldosteronism was diagnosed in 122 of 265 (46%). The presence of each reason for primary aldosteronism screening increased the probability of primary aldosteronism in 2.2-fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63 to 2.97; P < 0.001]. The most frequent reason for primary aldosteronism screening was a blood pressure at least 150/100 mmHg on three measurements on different days, and had a sensitivity of 95%. Hypertension with spontaneous or diuretic-induced hypokalemia was the most specific reason (87.5%) but was not frequent. Adrenal incidentaloma(s) was not associated with primary aldosteronism diagnosis.

Conclusion: Primary aldosteronism prevalence is markedly high when the 2016-ESG recommendations are rigorously implemented. The greater the number of indications for primary aldosteronism investigation, the higher its prevalence. Further studies are needed to corroborate this observed primary aldosteronism prevalence.