Pseudohyperaldosteronism

Pseudohyperaldosteronism (also pseudoaldosteronism) is a medical condition which mimics the effects of elevated aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) by presenting with high blood pressure, low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), metabolic alkalosis, and low levels of plasma renin activity (PRA).^[1][2] However, unlike hyperaldosteronism, this conditions exhibits low or normal levels of aldosterone in the blood.^[1][2] Causes include genetic disorders (e.g. apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome, Liddle's syndrome, and types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia), acquired conditions (e.g. Cushing's syndrome and mineralocorticoid-producing adrenal tumors), metabolic disorders, and dietary imbalances including excessive consumption of licorice.^[1][3][4] Confirmatory diagnosis depends on the specific cause and may involve blood tests, urine tests, or genetic testing; however, all forms of this condition exhibit abnormally low concentrations of both plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) which differentiates this group of conditions from other forms of secondary hypertension.^[1][2] Treatment is tailored to the specific cause and focuses on symptom control, blood pressure management, and avoidance of triggers.^[1]