← Return to Hyperaldosteronism
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Replies to "Dawn, What test confirmed the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism?"
My particular tests were both serum blood and urine Aldosterone, Renin, all my catecholamines along with my adrenal vein sampling. These results lead to my CT scan that showed a tumor in my right adrenal gland. But the first two AVS (adrenal vein sampling) was not done correctly so it is important to do your research and ask how experienced your testing facilities are with these tests. My doctors at Mayo Clinic ordered a new AVS which was done correctly that then lead to the correct diagnosis. This delay in improper testing added 2 years of unnecessary suffering until correctly done. The AVS procedure is dangerous if not done correctly. This is a test that requires perfecting timing and medication administration.
This is some of the testing. Your doctor will help decide which tests need to be checked based on his evaluation. Here is a good start. Your doctor will narrow down the list based on your symptoms.
Testing for Pheochromocytoma (medulla-arising tumors)
Blood Test: Catecholamines, fractionated, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine,
24h Urine Collection: Metanephrine, Normetanephrine, Metanephrines total, Dopamine,
VMA, Catecholamines, total
Testing for Cushing's & Conn's syndromes, as well as Adrenal Cancer (cortex-arising tumors)
Tests for Cushing's syndrome: A.M. Cortisol, ACTH (low), Low dose dexamethasone test,
Late-night salivary cortisol testing (saliva test)
24h urine collection for UFC = Urinary Free Cortisol
Tests for Conn's syndrome: Potassium (K+; low), Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC)
Plasma renin activity (PRA; low), PRA/PAC ratio
Adrenal vein sampling (Interventional radiology study) Also known as an AVS - This test is how we found out which adrenal gland was actually over producing the hormones.
24h urine collection for Aldosterone
Tests for Sex-Steroid Hormones and Adrenal Cancer
Testing for Cushing's syndrome and Conn's syndrome as above
DHEAS
17-OH-Progesterone
Androstenedione
Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
17-Beta-estradiol (serum, only in men and postmenopausal women)
Mayo Clinic specialists are very well educated in this area and can offer a more complete list. But this will help you start the conversations in figuring out where to start.
Hope this helps!
Dawn