Conn’s syndrome is a medical condition that is categorized by elevated blood pressure levels and decreased potassium in the blood. Although not always the case, oftentimes these paired symptoms suggest that a person is dealing with the development of a tumor on their adrenal gland. The tumor tends to cause excessive amounts of aldosterone to be released into the bloodstream. This hormone helps to regulate the amount of salt in a person’s body, and in patients with too much aldosterone, excessive salt is retained, leading to high blood pressure.
Conn’s Syndrome Symptoms
Not everyone who presents these symptoms is dealing with the development of a tumor, as it could just be caused by abnormal function of the adrenal cortex. In these instances, the problem is usually caused by a less serious condition called adrenal hyperplasia. However, left unmanaged, adrenal hyperplasia could contribute to the development of a tumor and Conn’s syndrome.
Symptoms of the condition include:
- Fatigue
- Increased urination
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Increased thirst
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
Diagnosis and Treatment of Conn’s Syndrome
If a routine checkup and bloodwork exam suggests that a person may be dealing with Conn’s syndrome, a doctor will take a closer look at their adrenal glands. Most times this is performed with the assistance of a CT scan, which can uncover the presence of most tumors in the area. If the patient has high blood pressure and low levels of potassium but not tumor is present, the doctor may order what’s known as a venous sampling of aldosterone. This involves inserting a small catheter into the adrenal vein to measure the amount of aldosterone in the blood, which can help detect if tiny tumors are present.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Conn’s syndrome, surgery is likely going to be your best option. Not only can it rid you of the tumors and return your blood pressure to the appropriate level, but it has a fairly high success rate and low rate for tumor reformation. The operation to fix the problem is called an adrenalectomy, which can oftentimes be performed with a minimally invasive technique.
The operation involves making a few small incisions on the body to allow the doctor to insert their tools and a micro-camera into the body to view the tumor and the adrenal glands. The camera transmits a picture to a monitor in the operating room that allows the doctor to see the site without making a large incision on the body. Your surgeon will work to remove the tumor and part of the adrenal gland to reduce the likelihood that a tumor will return. The minimally invasive technique is preferred because it leads to less post-op pain, a quicker recovery from surgery, and a decreased likelihood of complications. Most patients are highly satisfied with the results.
Minnesota Endocrine Surgeon
So if your doctor suspects that your blood pressure and potassium level issues may be linked to a problem with your adrenal glands, reach out to Dr. Koeplin today. Not only can he provide an accurate diagnosis, but he can safely remove any tumor that is present using the minimally invasive technique mentioned above. Contact his office today.
