[Aspects of hypertension of endocrine and adrenal origin]

The authors discuss the results of observation of 269 patients with adrenal arterial hypertension 247 of whom underwent operation. The malignant hypertension syndrome developed in 39% of the patients. It is presumed that its development was caused by the combination of adrenal and renal affections as well as by specific hormonal shifts: relative norepinephrine hyperproduction and reduced intensity of catecholamine metabolism. In all groups of the patients with the malignant hypertension syndrome, a higher daily excretion of aldosterone and increased blood renin activity were also found. The character of the drug therapy and the late results of surgical treatment are discussed. A new variant of hyperaldosteronism, dexamethasone-inhibited form of aldosteroma, is described.