Abstract
Hypertension represents a major public and global health problem, most of which likely
can be improved by lifestyle changes including changing dietary habits with less consumption
of processed and preserved foods, which generally contain higher amounts of salt than
freshly prepared food items. Among causes for endocrine hypertension are syndromes
of mineralocorticoid excess. This group of mostly monogenic and acquired disorders
typically causes hypertension through activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor
either directly or indirectly via hormonal mediators and from overactive amiloride-sensitive
epithelial sodium channels located in the distal tubule and collecting ducts of the
kidneys. Apart from primary aldosteronism, mineralocorticoid excess can be caused
by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to mutations of the 11beta-hydroxylase
and 17alpha-hydroxylase genes, by inactivating mutations of the glucocorticoid receptor
gene (Chrousos syndrome), endogenous hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome), by mutations
of the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 gene (apparent mineralocorticoid
excess/AME) or licorice/carbenoxolone intake, mutations of the epithelial sodium channel
genes (Liddle syndrome), mutations of the mineralocorticoid receptor gene (Geller
syndrome), and by mutations in the WNK1, WNK4, KLHL3, CUL3 genes (pseudohypoaldosteronism
type 2 or Gordon syndrome). Most of these conditions are treated by restricting dietary
salt intake. However, some require special therapies including dexamethasone/hydrocortisone
(CAH), spironolactone/eplerenone (AME), epithelial sodium channel inhibitors amiloride/triamterene
(Liddle and Gordon syndrome), while in others spironolactone and MR antagonists may
be contraindicated due to an abnormally structured MR (Geller syndrome). We here review
the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of these rare conditions including the
presentation of a patient with 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency.
Key words
congenital adrenal hyperplasia - epithelial sodium channel - liddle syndrome - aldosterone
- pseudohypoaldosteronism - Chrousos syndrome - low renin