Endo: Conn's Syndrome: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧FREE MSRA PODCAST –Conn’s Syndrome: Primary Hyperaldosteronism Made EasyIn this episode, webreak down Conn’s Syndrome (Primary Hyperaldosteronism) — a classic MSRA endocrine condition that’s often curable but easily missed. Get a concise,high-yield, and memorable revision of what really matters. 🧠Key Learning Points📌Definition• Conn’s Syndrome = Primary hyperaldosteronism• Overproduction of aldosterone from the adrenal glands• Results in hypertension, hypokalaemia,and metabolic alkalosis📌Pathophysiology• Aldosterone → actson distal nephron – Retains sodium + water → ↑ blood pressure – Increases potassium excretion → ↓ potassium• Also causes metabolic alkalosis via hydrogen loss📌Causes✅PrimaryHyperaldosteronism (Low Renin)• Aldosterone-producing adenoma (Conn’s Syndrome)– ~80%• Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) – ~15%• Familial hyperaldosteronism: – Type I (GRA –glucocorticoid remediable) – Type II (familialtendency to adenomas or BAH)• Adrenal carcinoma – rare✅SecondaryHyperaldosteronism (High Renin)• Diuretics• Renal arterystenosis• Heart failure• Liver cirrhosis• Nephrotic syndrome• Severehypertension📌Mnemonic – “Conn’s =CHAMP”• C – Conn’s = aldosterone-producing adenoma• H – Hypertension (often resistant)• A – Alkalosis (metabolic)• M – Muscle weakness, cramps (due to ↓ K⁺)• P – Potassium low (hypokalaemia)📌Clinical Features• Resistant hypertension• Muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue• Hypokalaemia – but may be normal in 60–90% of patients• Polyuria, polydipsia,paraesthesia• Severe: cardiac arrhythmias, tetany📌DifferentialDiagnosis• Secondary hyperaldosteronism• Cushing’s syndrome• Phaeochromocytoma• Essential hypertension• Diuretic use, renalcauses, rare tubulopathies (e.g.Bartter’s)📌InvestigationsAldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR) – High ARR (>30) + Aldosterone >15 ng/dL = suspiciousConfirmatory Testing – Saline suppression test  – Fludrocortisone suppression  – Oral salt loading  – Captopril challengeImaging – Adrenal CT scan to detect adenoma or hyperplasiaAdrenal Vein Sampling (AVS) – Gold standard to localise excess production  – Confirms unilateral vs bilateral diseaseOthers – ECG (arrhythmias)  – Genetic testing (if familial suspicion)📌Management✅Unilateral disease(e.g. adenoma)• Surgical adrenalectomy• Often cures hypertension in ~55% of patients• Pre-op: control BP+ correct potassium✅Bilateral disease /not surgical• Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs): – Spironolactone or Eplerenone• Monitor for renal function, K⁺,BP✅Familial (GRA)• Responds to low-dose glucocorticoids – e.g.dexamethasone or prednisolone📌Prognosis• Excellent ifdiagnosed and treated early• Surgery may cureor improve hypertension• Lifelong BPmonitoring often needed• Untreated: ↑ riskof stroke, MI,CKD, arrhythmias📌Complications ifUntreated• Cardiovasculardisease (stroke, MI)• Chronic kidneydisease• Arrhythmias (fromlow potassium)• Long-term MRA sideeffects (e.g. gynaecomastia, hyperkalaemia) 📎MSRA Resources forConn’s Syndrome📝Revision Noteshttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/conns-syndrome-revision-notes/🧠Flashcardshttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/conns-syndrome-flashcards/💬Accordion Q&ANoteshttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/conns-syndrome-accordion-qa-notes/🚀Rapid Quizhttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/conns-syndrome-rapid-quiz/🎓Full Endocrine Coursehttps://www.passthemsra.com/courses/endocrinology-for-the-msra/ 📣Hashtags#MSRA #ConnsSyndrome#PrimaryHyperaldosteronism #MSRAFlashcards #EndocrinologyMSRA#ResistantHypertension #Aldosterone #ARR #AVS #MSRARevisionWebsite #MSRAQuiz#MSRAQandANotes