Adrenal vein sampling in the diagnosis of aldosteronism

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism causes 15%-25% of cases of drug-resistant hypertension. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is a procedure entailing the measurement of aldosterone from both adrenal veins, to diagnose an adrenal source of excess aldosterone secretion. Because unilateral adrenal etiologies of primary aldosteronism may be surgically resected, identifying these sources by venous sampling is critical. Technical aspects of the procedure are reviewed, with emphasis on strategies to avoid common difficulties during AVS.