[Computer tomographic localisation in primary aldosteronism. Comparison with adrenal scintigraphy (author's transl)]

13 patients with verified primary aldosteronism (unilateral adrenal adenoma = 10, bilateral idiopathic hyperplasia = 3) underwent examination by CT and 131J-cholesterol-scintigraphy. CT-scan can successfully employed for localization of unilateral adenoma exceeding 10 mm in diameter. Small lesions and hyperplasia are rare CT-findings. The value of 131J-cholesterol-scintigraphy for differentiation of the two main subgroups of primary aldosteronism--adenoma and hyperplasia--is limited. In our experience both non-invasive methods are helpful to avoid misleading interpretation. In controversial cases bilateral adrenal venous blood sampling by catheterization is mandatory.