[Value of localizing examinations used in the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism]

Localizing examinations were performed in 115 patients with the clinical and biochemical signs of the primary hyperaldosteronism between 1975 and 1978. Adenoma of the adrenal cortex was diagnosed in 52 examined patients out of whom 42 underwent surgery, and 12 were classified for the operation. The remaining patients, in whom a cause of hyperaldosteronism was not found, are treated conservatively and followed-up. It was shown that CT-scanning and scintigraphy of the suprarenal cortex are the most convenient techniques in the localization of tumours in patients with the primary hyperaldosteronism. Ultrasound is less valuable diagnostically but may help in tumour localization in about 50% of patients.