Conn syndrome is a disease in which aldosterone, which is one of the hormones in the adrenal glands and regulates the fluid balance of the body, is excessively produced. Excess production of this hormone leads to sodium involvement in the body, loss of potassium, and high blood pressure. This problem is usually associated with tumors or growths that occur in one or both of the adrenal glands. Conn syndrome may cause long -term health problems if left untreated. Early diagnosis and correct treatment helps control the disease.
What is Conn syndrome?
Conn syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by excessive aldosterone production. Adrenal glands are two small cloths responsible for the production of hormones on the kidneys. Aldosterone regulates the body’s water and salt balance and ensures that blood pressure is controlled. However, in case of Conn syndrome, adrenal glands produce more than normal aldosterone; This disrupts the salt balance of the body and causes hypertension.
What are the symptoms of Conn syndrome?
Although symptoms of Conn syndrome vary depending on the patient’s aldosterone levels, it is often possible to list it as follows:
These symptoms can often adversely affect the daily life of Conn syndrome patients. Early intervention with the help of a specialist doctor helps to prevent the progression of the disease and improves the quality of life.
How is Conn syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Conn syndrome is made by various tests and examinations. The most widely used diagnostic methods are as follows:
- Blood tests: Measurement of aldosterone and renin levels play an important role in diagnosis. High aldosterone levels and low renin level are considered as a typical finding for Conn syndrome.
- Urine test: Urine tests can be examined to determine the loss of potassium and salt imbalances.
- CT or MR Screening: Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is important to see the growth of adrenal glands due to discomfort or tumors.
- Adrenal venous sewage: If the diagnosis is not clear, aldosterone levels can be compared with blood samples taken from adrenal glands.
According to the results of these tests, doctors can diagnose Conn syndrome and create a suitable treatment plan for the patient.
What are the causes of Conn syndrome?
When researching the causes of Conn syndrome, it is possible to list the factors that trigger the disease as follows:
Adenomas secreting aldosterone
Adenomas secreting aldosterone; They are benign tumors, also called Conn adenomas and develop in adrenal glands. Benign tumors produce aldosterone independently of the body’s normal regulatory mechanisms. Uncontrolled aldosterone release causes clinical symptoms associated with Conn syndrome.
Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is characterized by the expansion of both adrenal glands and results in excessive aldosterone production. Unlike adenomas, there is no tumor formation in this table; Instead, the number of aldosterone -producing cells increases.
Genetic factors
In some cases, Conn syndrome may show familial transition. This may indicate the presence of a genetic predisposition that affects adrenal gland functions.
Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia
Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia, which is a more rare condition, manifests itself with only the growth of an adrenal gland and the production of excessive aldosterone.
Adrenal carcinoma
Although rarely seen, a malignant tumor in adrenal glands causes excessive aldosterone production. Since adrenal carcinomas are usually tumors that have aggressive course and have serious clinical results, a special examination of the specialist doctor is needed.
Apart from the findings of these Conn syndrome, some rare genetic diseases can also lead to the development of the disease. It is also known that some drugs and hormone disorders can trigger the disease.
What is the treatment process of Conn syndrome?
Conn syndrome treatment may vary depending on the cause and severity of the disease. Treatment options are evaluated in the initiative of the specialist doctor as follows:
Drug therapy
To balance the aldosterone level, the medications that follow the disease can be used. The most common drugs are drugs such as Spiranolacton that block the effects of aldosterone.
Operation
If the disease is caused by an adrenal tumor, the tumor may need to be taken surgically. This is usually considered as the most effective solution in the treatment of Conn syndrome.
Lifestyle changes
In order to control blood pressure, it is important to limit salt intake, to exercise regularly and to follow a healthy diet.
The treatment of Conn Syndrome requires an attentive management process due to the complex structure of the disease and the variability between individuals. Despite the treatment, the continuation of resistant hypertension may require the co -administration of more than one pharmacological and invasive method. In addition, controlling electrolyte imbalances due to aldosterone excess requires meticulous follow -up and dose adjustments, especially in terms of regulating potassium levels.
In order to create an effective treatment strategy, it is of great importance to distinguish Conn Syndrome from other causes of other secondary hypertension. For this reason, regular monitoring of patients and implementing drug treatments in a uninterrupted and harmonious manner plays a critical role in terms of the success of the treatment process. If any of the symptoms are noticed for the diagnosis and treatment of Conn syndrome, it is necessary to get help from a specialist.
What should be considered after Conn syndrome surgery
Patients with surgical treatment for Conn syndrome should pay attention to some points during the healing process. The things that need to be considered after Conn syndrome surgery are as follows:
- After surgery, some drugs can be prescribed to control aldosterone production. These drugs should definitely be taken regularly as recommended.
- Hypertension is the most prominent indicator of Conn syndrome patients. It is important to monitor blood pressure after surgery regularly every day.
- The decrease in potassium levels is a common symptom of the disease. For this reason, potassium levels should be monitored regularly after surgery.
- Conn syndrome surgery is a process that exhausts the body like each surgical procedure. Therefore, it is important to take care of enough rest for the body to recover and to start physical activity as the doctor recommends.
Frequently asked questions about Conn syndrome
What health problems can Conn syndrome cause if left untreated?
Conn syndrome may cause serious health problems such as heart diseases, kidney dysfunction and risk of stroke due to high blood pressure. In addition, loss of potassium can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
What is the connection of Conn syndrome with hypertension?
Conn syndrome is one of the main causes of hypertension due to excessive aldosterone production. Aldosterone leads to the retention of sodium in the body, which causes blood pressure to increase. Therefore, patients with Conn syndrome often consult with high blood pressure complaints.
Is Conn syndrome a permanent disease?
Conn syndrome may be a permanent disease if left untreated. However, when the correct treatment methods are applied and especially if tumor is taken by surgical intervention, the disease can be controlled and permanent effects can be prevented.
Is Conn syndrome genetic?
Conn syndrome is often a acquired disease and does not show a genetic tendency. However, in some rare cases, genetic factors may cause the development of the disease.
