Tissue K+ in Primary Hyperaldosteronism

Patients diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) will be prospetively investigated using 23Na-MRI and 39K-MRI at 7 Tesla to assess tissue sodium and potassium content (prospective observational study). Measurements will be conducted before treatment of hyperaldosteronism and three to four months after adrenal surgery or medical treatment (Spironolactone or Eplerenone). Furthermore, blood pressure, body water distribution (by bioimpedance spectroscopy), pulse wave velocity and serum electrolytes will be assessed.

Additionally, we will conduct a case-control study and compare PA patients before treatment with age- and gender matched healthy control participants. In this study group 23Na-MRI and 39K-MRI at 7 Tesla will be conducted to assess tissue sodium and potassium content using the same MRI protocols as in PA patients. Blood pressure, body water distribution (by bioimpedance spectroscopy), pulse wave velocity and serum electrolytes will be also examined.

Inclusion criteria

for patients with Primary Aldosteronism:

• Primary Aldosteronism diagnosed according to the endocrinological guideline (J Clin Endocrinology & Metabolism, May 2016) without specific medication
• Age > 18 years

Exclusion criteria

for patients with Primary Aldosteronism:

• Chronic kidney disease ≤ 3b (estimated GFR <45 ml/min according to CKD-EPI)
• Active malignancy
• Severe congestive heart failure (NYHA III and IV)
• Liver cirrhosis (Child B and C)
• Acute infection
• Recent major surgical procedures (<3 months)
• Pregnancy
• Contraindications for MRI measurements: cardiac pacemaker, claustrophobia, etc.

Inclusion criteria

for healthy control participants:

• Age > 18 years

Exclusion criteria

for healthy control participants:

• Medical history of chronic disease (such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease etc.)
• regular medication
• blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg
• Pregnancy
• Contraindications for MRI measurements: cardiac Pacemaker, claustrophobia, etc.